Umno-DAP ties in Penang cordial, tension-free, says Reezal

Kepala Batas Umno chief Reezal Merican Naina Merican commented on the cordial ties between Umno and DAP in Penang, stating that the parties have never clashed despite their differences. Reezal, who is the Kepala Batas Umno chief, acknowledged that the tensions experienced during the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections could impact their relationship, but emphasized that these realities cannot be denied. This interview took place after he distributed the Jalur Gemilang in his constituency.

Interestingly, Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Chow Kon Yeow recently expressed uncertainty about whether Umno would stay in the state unity government following BN’s growing cooperation with PN. Reezal affirmed his ongoing professional collaboration with the state government, asserting that Chow’s administration was fully aware of this. Notably, he recognized that the final decision on the ties between BN and PH would rest with BN’s leadership.

Reezal dismissed the idea that BN and PN had resorted to identity politics to win the Negeri Sembilan polls, claiming that voters were not easily influenced by such tactics. Instead, he argued that people desired ideological clarity, which both BN and PN provided. He explained that BN championed Malay interests, while PN advocated for Chinese and Indian interests, maintaining a clear distinction.

On the other hand, Reezal suggested that the DAP, despite its multiracial image, arguably focused on a single race, while PKR appeared to do the same, resulting in a lack of clarity among these parties.