Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has brushed off tensions between Umno Youth and DAP Youth, clarifying that the views expressed by Umno’s youth wing do not reflect the stance of the party’s Supreme Council.
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Zahid noted that this distinction has long been a norm within Umno, dating back to his own tenure as Umno Youth chief in the 1990s. “The positions taken by Umno Youth are not those of the Umno Supreme Council. That’s how Umno Youth has always operated, even during my time. Let’s view Umno Youth as Umno Youth,” he said.
Addressing Youth Wing Friction
Zahid was responding to questions about ongoing friction between Umno Youth and DAP Youth, despite their parties being allies in the unity government for three years. Tensions flared in August when DAP Youth divisions and state chapters called for severing ties with Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh. More recently, two weeks ago, Akmal challenged DAP Youth’s Woo Kah Leong to break ties after Woo reportedly stated that the youth wings of DAP, Umno, and MCA “walk different paths and cannot work together.”
A History of Rivalry, A Present of Cooperation
Umno and DAP, once fierce rivals, set aside their differences to form part of the unity government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following the 15th general election (GE15) in November 2022. Their coalitions, Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, are expected to maintain this alliance in the next general election.
Zahid emphasized that DAP has not interfered in Umno’s traditional strongholds, and Umno has reciprocated this respect. He also praised DAP’s support for Umno candidates in state elections and by-elections since GE15. “While we contest under our own banners, our collaboration remains strong. This goes beyond election machinery—DAP’s voters have supported us as well,” he said.
