DAP national adviser Lim Guan Eng has questioned whether relations between Umno and DAP in the Penang government can remain cordial, accusing Umno of acting as an ‘enemy within’ by attacking DAP and PKR.
Lim said remarks by Kepala Batas Umno chief Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who accused DAP and PKR of engaging in identity politics, were ‘unfriendly and harsh’ towards parties that were supposed to be allies in the state government.
‘Can ties between Umno and DAP in the Penang government remain cordial and tension-free when Umno behaves like an “enemy within” by making such unwarranted attacks?’ the Air Putih assemblyman said in a Facebook post.
Lim raises questions over Umno-PN ties
Lim said the situation was particularly concerning given the closer relationship between Umno and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
‘With friends like these, one does not need enemies. Particularly when previous bitter foe Perikatan Nasional (PN) has now turned into Umno’s firm friend,’ he said.
He also questioned whether Umno would use its position in the Penang government to support PN while sidelining Pakatan Harapan (PH).
‘Will Umno now leverage its current position to use Penang’s government resources to help PN and sideline Pakatan Harapan (PH)?’ he asked.
Calls on Penang PH to act
The former Penang chief minister said the time had come for Penang PH leaders to act decisively on behalf of voters to defend ‘the honour and dignity’ of the state government.
Reezal’s remarks came amid closer cooperation between BN and PN, following their informal electoral alliance in the Negeri Sembilan election, where they secured a two-thirds majority.
The development has raised fresh questions about BN’s relationship with PH, despite both coalitions remaining partners in the federal unity government.
