PETALING JAYA: Umno leaders have pushed back against apparent efforts by PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden to portray the Barisan Nasional lynchpin as willing to endorse every proposal from DAP, its partner in the unity government.
Puad Zarkashi and Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said Umno would not easily accept all of DAP’s proposals, especially those that clash with the party’s principles.
“DAP can propose anything, but that doesn’t imply that Umno will comply if it contradicts the party’s policies,” Puad, an Umno Supreme Council member, told FMT.
“Umno is confident that, irrespective of DAP’s stance on sensitive issues, it may not be implemented without Umno’s approval.”
Afnan was reported as saying by HarakahDaily yesterday that Umno could go down in Malay history as “DAP’s pawn” if it did not put an end to the “antics” of its government partner.
He was responding to recent calls by several DAP leaders on matters such as the redrawing of electoral boundaries, the appointment of a non-Malay prime minister, and the reinstatement of local elections.
Wan Agyl, the permanent chairman of Umno Youth, said it was unfair to blame the party despite its role in the unity government.
“So far, none of DAP’s statements have been official government statements, so to conclude that all of them will be implemented would be unfair to the government,” he said.
Wan Agyl also said DAP’s suggestions would need to be scrutinised during parliamentary sessions as they involved amendments to acts and the Federal Constitution.
“If the agenda of preserving Malay and Islamic interests is to be upheld, PAS is not exempt from rejecting amendments to acts and the Federal Constitution deemed unsuitable and encroaching upon the rights and sensitivities of Malays,” he said.
“Rather than criticising the opposing party (Umno), it is better to initiate roundtable discussions to address the concerns that Malays might have over DAP’s political statements.” - FMT
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