The term ‘UMDAP’, frequently used to describe the relationship between UMNO and DAP, is merely political rhetoric rather than an accurate reflection of Malaysia’s political landscape, according to political observer Sahar Sa’di Hashim.
Sahar Sa’di said the label was deliberately created by certain parties to shape negative perceptions among Malay voters by portraying UMNO as having submitted to DAP and abandoned its founding principles.
He said there has been no official announcement or formal agreement establishing UMNO and DAP as a single political entity following the formation of the Unity Government.
Historical record tells a different story
Sahar Sa’di pointed out that Malaysia’s political history shows PAS and DAP had previously cooperated officially under two major political coalitions, Barisan Alternatif from 1999 to 2001 and Pakatan Rakyat from 2008 to 2015.
Overall, he said, the two parties were members of the same political coalition for almost nine years.
“For that reason, the use of the term ‘UMDAP’ today is more of a political narrative than a factual description,” he said in a statement to Sinar Harian on Friday.
Administrative cooperation is not an ideological merger
Commenting on the formation of the Unity Government after the 15th General Election, Sahar Sa’di said the cross-party administration was established following the directive of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to ensure political and economic stability after no coalition secured a simple majority.
He stressed that UMNO’s participation in the government through Barisan Nasional does not make the party a component of Pakatan Harapan or indicate that it shares DAP’s ideology.
“Political cooperation does not mean an ideological merger. UMNO retains its own constitution, organisational structure, leadership and political principles. This administrative cooperation is a necessity under the parliamentary democratic system.
“The federal administration is collectively made up of representatives from PKR, Amanah, DAP, UMNO, as well as parties from Sabah and Sarawak. All decisions are made through the Cabinet mechanism rather than by any single party,” he said.
Constitutional fundamentals remain intact
Sahar Sa’di also rejected claims that the position of Islam and the rights of the Malays have been weakened under the current administration.
He said no amendments have been made during the tenure of the Unity Government that alter the fundamental provisions of the Federal Constitution.
According to him, the constitutional position of Islam as the religion of the Federation, the institution of the Malay Rulers, the special rights of Malays and Bumiputera, and the status of the Malay language as the national language remain fully preserved.
He added that UMNO continues to play an important role within the government to help maintain policy balance and safeguard the interests of Malaysians from all communities.
He concluded that the ‘UMDAP’ narrative serves primarily as a political tool to gain support, while the priority of any mature democratic government should be ensuring economic growth, public well-being and national stability.
