'Harapan should apologise to Umno over decades of allegations'

Johor BN deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed has urged partners in government from Pakatan Harapan to apologise to Umno for the decades of allegations which shaped a negative perception among voters.

In his analysis of BN’s recent victory in the Mahkota by-election, Jazlan said no single party from BN or Harapan can claim to be the “backbone” of the coalition government.

“Harapan must realise, and perhaps should apologise to Umno for all the slander, allegations and perceptions they created decades ago that caused Umno to be viewed negatively by voters.

“Because today, it appears that Harapan desperately needed Umno’s support to remain in government,” said the former Pulai MP.

Reflecting on the current political scenario, Jazlan said the Mahkota by-election as well as a series of recent victories after the 15th general election has proven there is no one party that “can act like a hero” or claim to be the “backbone” of the coalition government.

Correcting perception

Ahead of GE16, he said all parties must realise that the strength of the government lies in each other’s cooperation and sincerity and that a show of “arrogance” could risk destruction.

“Specifically, Harapan must accept the fact that they can no longer continue with the old sentiment, particularly towards Umno.

“For decades Harapan had attacked Umno and successfully created a negative perception among voters - that Umno is full of corruption, cronyism and abuse of power,” he said.

Jazlan, who noted that Harapan today is reliant on Umno for support to remain in power, added that there should be no reason to view the party’s growing strength under the leadership of party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as a threat.

As such, he reiterated that Harapan should take a bold move and apologise to Umno.

“(It is) not only to clear the air between them but also to show the people that politics today have changed. Politics is no longer about division but about unity for the stability of the country.

“If Harapan wants to ensure Umno’s support remains, they must correct the perception that they have created over the years,” he stressed.

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