Umno leaders dismiss claim cooperation with PAS won’t last

Umno leaders have dismissed DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook's assertion that the Malay unity narrative promoted by Umno and PAS will not endure. Supremacy Council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed noted that political calculations are subject to constant change based on voter sentiment and trends, citing a global shift towards identity and religious politics. He stated that the consolidation of Malay voters through cooperation between Umno and PAS will remain a key pillar of political stability for now.

For the moment, the unification of Malay voters through Umno and PAS will be a crucial element of political stability, according to Nur Jazlan. He reiterated that DAP had collaborated with PAS for a prolonged period during their time in opposition, including through alliances such as Pakatan Rakyat.

Razlan Rafii, another Umno Supreme Council member, highlighted that the notion of majority community leaders being at the forefront of the nation has long been a prevailing sentiment among Malaysians. This viewpoint is consistent with a worldwide trend toward parties advocating for the interests of indigenous communities, although it does not imply overlooking other races.

He pointed out that DAP's radical actions have frequently caused concern among the majority community, citing the party's inability to address economic concerns as a reason for losing support among Chinese voters during its time in government. Rafii mentioned issues such as taxes, fuel prices, and utility bills, asserting that many Chinese business owners felt their concerns were not adequately addressed, as if the party turned a blind eye to the concerns of business owners, the majority of whom are Chinese.

Umno and PAS share the common goal of ensuring the country's governance can occur without resorting to the racial issues that DAP often exploits.