Tok Mat admits Umno’s DAP ties were hard to sell to Malay voters

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan revealed today that the party has had difficulty convincing Malay voters to support its cooperation with DAP in the federal Government. Mohamad, known as Tok Mat, stated that attempts to justify the partnership have not been successful in changing the perceptions of Malay voters.

He explained that longstanding views of DAP's opposition to affirmative action policies for bumiputera and its perceived anti-Islam stance have shaped the way Malays view the collaboration. During his speech at the opening of Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri Umno general assemblies, Mohamad emphasized that the Unity Government's efforts to grow the economy, distribute aid, combat corruption, and implement reforms across various sectors have not been considered as being more Malay.

He asserted that as long as Umno is associated with DAP, the Unity Government will be seen as not representing Malay interests. Mohamad warned that if Umno fails to address this issue effectively, it will appear to neglect Malay and Islamic interests. His comments come as Umno strives to rebuild its support among Malay voters following years of political turmoil since its defeat in the 2018 general election.