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Malay unity offer: Zahid says no to Dr M

Malay unity offer: Zahid says no to Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today firmly rejected Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s invitation for the party to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).

Speaking at the Parliament today, Zahid said this was not only Umno’s stand but also of Barisan Nasional (BN).

He added that there was one stumbling block to Mahathir’s proposal; the DAP.

“Umno and BN are open-minded and welcome the reality of any political situation. However, we cannot accept this offer from party leaders who are working with DAP.

“As long as DAP continues to control the government, we will not accept it.  This is our stand,” said the Bagan Datoh MP.

Last week, Mahathir, who is PPBM chairperson, urged Malay political parties join his party in a bid to unite the Malay community.

Mahathir bemoaned that with more Malay political parties mushrooming, the community will be fragmented and it would be hard for them to win elections.

Former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has urged his party to not to take Mahathir’s invite lightly due to his stature as a statesman.

This morning, former Umno vice president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein also urged the party leadership not to be dismissive of Mahathir’s offer.