DAP accepts position of Islam, Malay rights enshrined in Constitution - Zahid

DAP has provided guarantees to accept and comply with the four articles enshrined in the Federal Constitution, including Islam and the special rights of Malays, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president revealed that DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke provided the guarantee during a meeting between BN and Pakatan Harapan before the forming of the new government.

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan and Umno secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir were also present at the meeting.

"My first question as BN chairperson was what about the position of Islam, Malay rights, Malay language and the Malay rulers?

“When the question was posed, the DAP secretary-general replied, we are the new DAP, new leadership and we accept all articles in the Constitution, including those four,” Zahid said in a speech at a gathering at Dewan Terbuka Rompin today.

Mohamad, Zambry and Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail also attended the event.

Zahid (above) added that party grassroots need not worry because as Umno president and BN chief he would never sell them out, and would ensure the party remains relevant to continue championing the rights and needs of the people.

"I urge myself and all levels of the party… this is our test. We must persevere. Do not let our differences in opinion lead to schism.

"Close ranks and unite so that Umno and BN can continue to be relevant not only in the unity government but also for the future.

“We promise to serve the people together with our friends in the government,” he said, as he reminded BN elected representatives at state and parliamentary levels to serve the people throughout the entire five-year period and not just in “seasons.”

Choose BN for Tioman

Zahid also urged voters in the Tioman state election to choose BN candidate Mohd Johari Hussain as a show of support for the new government, both in Pahang and at the federal level.

He promised to assist with development in Tioman as prioritised by Wan Rosdy, including upgrading the cargo jetty in Kampung Tekek, Pulau Tioman, building a new mosque in Felda Selendang and constructing a mini stadium at Kampung Kolam.

The Tioman polls will take place tomorrow following its postponement after the death of Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Md Yunus Ramli, 61, hours before GE15 polling began on Nov 19.

The election will see a contest between Johari, Nor Idayu Hashim (Perikatan Nasional), Osman A Bakar (Pejuang) and independent candidate Sulaiman Bakar.

Harapan’s candidate Mohd Fadzli Mohd Ramly, whose name will still appear on the ballot papers, withdrew from the race to make way for BN.

- Bernama

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