No! Zahid reiterates rejection of 'DAP ally' Dr M's invitation

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reiterated his rejection of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's invitation to all Malay-based parties to join Bersatu.

This time around, he cited DAP as a stumbling block.

“Even though Umno and BN are always open-minded and welcoming of the reality of any political situation, however, Umno and BN cannot accept the offer...

“What's more (from) leaders of parties working with DAP.

“Umno and BN cannot accept (the offer) if DAP continues to control the current government. This is our stand,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby this afternoon.

DAP is a largely Chinese-dominated component party in the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition, which is often accused by Umno and PAS of sidelining the Malays and Islam.

However, DAP leaders have denied the allegation, claiming that it is deliberately employed to instil fear in the Malay electorate.

Last Friday, Mahathir, who is also Bersatu chairperson, had issued the invitation, including to Umno and PAS, in order to strengthen Malay unity.

He had expressed concern that the community is fragmented due to the existence of numerous Malay-based parties.

In an immediate response, Zahid, who is also BN chairperson, had dismissed the proposal.

He said Umno and PAS, who formed an official alliance this year, were already collectively the biggest Malay-based party in Malaysia.

Following its defeat in the last general election, the once impregnable BN coalition had witnessed its component parties dropping from 13 to just three – Umno, MCA and MIC. - Mkini