Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani has urged party members not to be afraid of its ties with DAP in the coalition government.

According to the New Straits Times, he encouraged Umno members to accept that the party is part of the government which consists of former rivals.

"We are all too sentiment-driven, too emotional. Why should we be afraid of Umno-DAP?

"We already lost (in the last general election). We only have 26 seats left in Parliament, so we must act like people who have lost," Johari (above, right) said when launching the Masjid Tanah Umno division meeting today.

Also present was Malacca Umno liaison chief Ab Rauf Yusoh.

Following the 15th general election in November 2022, long-time foes Pakatan Harapan and BN joined forces to form a government as no coalition won a clear majority.

Soon after, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) joined the pact to strengthen the coalition government’s majority.

As a result, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim was appointed prime minister, with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu vice-president Fadillah Yusof becoming his deputies.

DAP’s forward-thinking mindset

Johari told Umno delegates that while DAP may not be good at politicking, its leaders possess a forward-thinking mindset.

He also noted that DAP has been consistent when it comes to churning out young and strong leaders.

"When these young candidates contest (in elections), those helping them are senior leaders who work to ensure their victory.

"This isn't limited to the Chinese. DAP also picks its young Malay leaders to stand in elections,” the plantation and commodities minister added.

Johari threw shade at his own party, saying Umno leaders are champions of quarrelling among themselves.

“PAS candidates, who may not have much experience, were also capable of winning the votes of constituents due to their dynamism in politics within the party.

"We cannot deny this. PAS has never openly fought among themselves. Umno leaders are champions when it comes to fighting each other, but in elections, we lose."

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