Umno leaders dismiss claim cooperation with PAS won’t last

Umno leaders have rejected DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook's assertion that the Malay unity narrative championed by Umno and PAS will not endure. Supreme Council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed stated that political landscapes are in constant flux in response to voter sentiment and evolving trends, citing a global inclination towards identity and religious politics.

This shift could pose challenges for Pakatan Harapan and DAP in garnering the support of non-Malay voters, he argued. The consolidation of Malay voters via cooperation between Umno and PAS will continue to be a cornerstone of political stability for the foreseeable future, he added. Loke had previously contended that the alliance between Malays through Umno and PAS could not persist indefinitely, urging DAP to broaden its support base ahead of the next general election.

Razlan Rafii, another Umno Supreme Council member, emphasized that the notion of the majority community forming the backbone of the nation’s leadership has long been ingrained among Malaysians. This perspective aligns with a worldwide trend towards parties advocating for the interests of indigenous communities, without discounting the rights of other races.

While Umno and PAS share the overarching objective of ensuring a stable governance devoid of racial strife, a key differentiator is their approach to addressing voters from various racial backgrounds.