Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described his party’s cooperation with former adversary DAP as “Allah’s will”, despite Umno having once resolved never to work with Pakatan Harapan.
Zahid said Umno’s present alliance with DAP was based on pragmatism and the need to ensure political stability.
“I have no issue with DAP, even though at one time I said ‘No Anwar, No DAP’.
“But Allah had other plans and we were destined to become partners in the current government,” he told FMT in an interview held in conjunction with Umno’s general assembly.
Zahid dismissed claims that Umno members were unhappy with DAP, saying he had a good relationship with the party.
He said DAP had played a crucial role in Umno’s victory at the Mahkota by-election.
“Their support helped Umno’s candidate secure a majority of more than 20,000 votes.”
In 2024, BN’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah won the Mahkota state seat with a majority of 20,648 votes, four times higher than the 5,166-vote margin achieved in the 2022 state election.
Zahid’s remarks came amid criticism from Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who has accused Pakatan Harapan, particularly DAP, of crossing “red lines” involving Islam, the Malay community and the monarchy.
Akmal had also called for Umno to leave the unity government at a special convention on Jan 3.
However, Zahid rejected claims that Malay and Muslim interests had been sidelined with DAP in government.
He said DAP upheld the Federal Constitution and acknowledged Malay as the national language and Islam as the official religion.
“They no longer question the rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras,” he said.
Zahid added that Malaysia’s political landscape has evolved, requiring parties to work together in the country’s best interests.
Although it was once impossible for Umno and DAP to sit at the same table, he said both parties are now able to join forces to ensure stability.
He said the unity government has restored confidence among foreign governments and prevented Malaysia from being trapped in prolonged political uncertainty since 2018.
“I am certain the people do not want a repeat of such an episode,” he said, referring to the period that saw three prime ministers appointed within three years.
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