Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today rejected the claim that Umno had links with communists.     

He said in its history, Umno had never linked itself with the communist movement nor believed in the communist ideology.     

"What's the proof? In the party's history, Umno has been anti-Communist Party of Malaya. Don't create ridiculous stories," he said when asked to comment on a report in a news portal which claimed that Umno had established links with communists.     

Ahmad Zahid, who is also defence minister, was met by reporters after opening the Indian Progressive Front (IPF) annual general assembly in Seri Kembangan, near Kuala Lumpur, on behalf of the prime minister.     

The Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) had yesterday deemed the statement by the chief assistant director E2 (M) of the Bukit Aman social extremist threat division, Mohd Sofian Md Makinuddin as Umno and BN's psychological warfare.     

Mohd Sofian was reported to have alleged that the terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiah, was trying to infiltrate PAS and communist elements, the DAP. 

IPF, shape up and help BN

On another matter, Zahid urged the Barisan Nasional-friendly All Malaysian Indian Progressive Front (IPF) to set aside its internal problems to help BN win big the coming 13th general election.     

He also hoped for any conflict in any BN-friendly or component party to be resolved immediately so that BN would emerge as a strong, solid team in facing the coming elections.     

"I am confident that IPF will be able to solve its own problems in its effort to strengthen the party," he said.     

On the requests from IPF president M Sambanthan, among which was for an IPF leader to be appointed to the senate, he said these would be looked into when BN wins the coming general election.     

Earlier, in his policy speech, Sambanthan said IPF would continue to work at realising its aim of being accepted as a BN component party.    

- Bernama