No need for Harapan to apologise to Umno - Zahid

There is no need for Pakatan Harapan to apologise to Umno for decades of allegations against the latter, said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president also reminded his party leaders and members to stop “teasing” component parties of the coalition government.

“There is no need for an apology. Don’t tease component parties of the unity government.

“We must respect each other; what matters is we must maintain the state and unity of the government now,” said the deputy prime minister to reporters after an event in Putrajaya today.

Zahid, who is also the BN chairperson, was responding to the call by Johor BN deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed for Harapan to apologise to Umno for the decades of allegations which shaped a negative perception of the party 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.

Elaborating, Zahid said Jazlan’s statement was the latter’s personal opinion and did not represent the party’s stance.

“Statements made by Nur Jazlan, (Umno Youth chief) Dr Akmal (Saleh) are their personal opinions.

“As long as a statement is not issued by a party chief or president, they are considered personal opinions.”

Will follow president’s order

Zahid said he has met Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim regarding the recent occurrences.

“Just now, before and after the cabinet meeting, I met the prime minister, and (government component party) leaders and spoke about putting aside our differences and marching forward to face any possibilities, including by-elections and the general election,” he added.

Asked whether action would be taken against Jazlan, Zahid played coy.

“Don’t ask,” he said.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Jazlan said he took note of Zahid’s remark and that he would abide by it.

“As a loyal Umno member, I will follow the president’s directive,” he told Malaysiakini via text message.

Jazlan was absent from last night’s Umno supreme council meeting as he was out of the country for work in his capacity as the Dewan Negara deputy speaker.

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