KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 -- Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has questioned Umno's reason in delaying new political alliances until after the 15th general election.

Ahmad Faizal was commenting on Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's formal affirmation yesterday to sever ties with Bersatu and that his party will contest the election alone under the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition banner in spite of its other political alliances.

"I hope the BN leadership has considered it carefully before coming to that decision.

"I really hope this decision is not made based on any one leader's interest in seeking to form new ranks as soon as GE15 is over.

"Some see it as trickery, and if true, may the rakyat not fall for...