Veteran politician Isa Abd Samad is optimistic that Umno's grassroots can forge a working relationship with their long-time former rival, DAP, to ensure political stability.
The former Umno vice-president, who recently rejoined the BN component after resigning in October 2018, discussed his return and his party's current collaboration with the Pakatan Harapan component party.
In an interview with Utusan Malaysia today, he highlighted the crucial part of the coalition government: the cooperation between Umno and DAP.
“We (Umno) used to say all kinds of things about DAP, and I am also guilty.
“However, the cooperation is there because Umno attaches importance to having a stable government, as well as upholding the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s order,” Isa was quoted as saying by the Malay daily.
The former Federal Territories Minister said it is not only Umno that needs to confront its longstanding sentiments towards their old political adversary, but DAP as well.
He emphasised the crucial need for both parties to wholeheartedly strive towards overcoming their past hate, which is vital for fostering a thriving environment of inter-party cooperation.
“We should look ahead and not remember our past conflicts. DAP also has to deal with its members' anger towards Umno; we are not the only ones.
“Such a matter takes time. It's normal that when you want to seek redress, there will be people who get a little offended,” he was quoted as saying by the
Isa, also the former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, clarified that his primary concern lies with those at the top leadership level.
He stated the importance of fostering understanding among the party's leadership, as they hold the authority to address any tensions that arise within the grassroots.
Regarding the upcoming Negeri Sembilan election, Isa revealed that he is currently assisting Umno state liaison committee chairman Jalaluddin Alias in providing clarity to party members regarding their ties with DAP.
He explained that a significant part of this task involves ensuring Umno and the coalition government achieve a victory in the state election.
In the meantime, Isa expressed optimism and hope that the collaboration between Harapan and BN would successfully lead it to form a state government in Negeri Sembilan.
“We are confident of establishing a state government based on the estimates.
“From my personal point of view, we can secure a minimum of 19 or more out of the 36 state seats,” he was quoted as saying.
Isa was the longest-serving Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, spanning a 22-year career from 1982 to 2004.
He also briefly served as a Federal Territories Minister from 2004 until 2005.
He left Umno 2018 to contest as an independent candidate in the Port Dickson parliamentary by-election. He came third in the seven-cornered contest with 4,230 votes.
Negeri Sembilan is among the six states mandated to hold elections this year as its five-year term concludes.
The other states going to polls will be Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. - Mkini
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