Amanah has apologised to Umno over communications director Khalid Samad's call for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to reject Najib Abdul Razak's pardon bid.
Speaking to reporters, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub said he had personally extended the apology to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (above).
"In conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, I on behalf of Amanah apologise over the statement issued by the Amanah communications director recently, and if that statement offended or hurt Umno, we apologise," he said with Zahid at his side.
Moments earlier, Zahid told the press that Khalid's remarks were the latter's personal opinion, and asked Salahuddin to verify this.
The two were met at an open house in Putrajaya that Zahid hosted in his capacity as deputy prime minister.
Khalid's call for Najib's pardon to be rejected had caused friction with Umno.
Kelantan Umno, for example, said it would consider not cooperating with Amanah if Khalid did not retract his remarks.
Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi also implied the government would not last with allies such as Amanah.
Commenting on the backlash, Salahuddin said it is normal for politicians to speak hastily.
"Sometimes we are hasty and there is no shame for us to apologise if it causes hurt, and hope this issue can be resolved," he said, adding that he has also extended an apology to Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan.
Salahuddin - who is also the domestic trade and cost of living minister - said what is important now is to strengthen Amanah and the unity government ahead of the six state elections.
"That is more important to me than any hasty remarks which are normal for politicians," he said.
‘Don’t have an opposition mindset’
On whether Najib should be pardoned, Salahuddin said it was a citizen's basic right to make such an appeal to the king.
Prior to Salahuddin appearing by his side, Zahid had told the press that Khalid should not act like an opposition leader and differentiate between personal opinions and that of the party.
"For me, he has to learn to respect allied parties who are components in the unity government, and not have the perception that he is someone who is still in an opposition mindset.
"Forget the differences and meet me personally to get a confirmation on my party's stance on the issue, don't just read what is obvious but also what is implied," he added.
The Umno president said he has also met with Kelantan Umno to ease their concerns while urging them to keep the peace.
Earlier Khalid had also extended an apology for not being on the same page as Umno.
“We did not attack or criticise Umno, we respect their right to make an appeal for the pardon. That is their right, they can do that, no issue.
“They are now criticising us saying that we do not know how to work together… we are just stating a different stand.
“(It is) Unfortunate that they want to make it an issue. I apologise for upsetting them but that is Amanah’s stand.
“So, our apologies for not having the same opinion,” Khalid told Malaysiakini. - Mkini
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