KUALA LUMPUR – There is no need to push DAP for further apologies as the matter has already been settled with the Pakatan Harapan component party, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Speaking at a press conference during the party wing’s general assembly today, Zahid dismissed claims by Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who had earlier urged DAP to issue a public apology to Umno over condemnations voiced when the two parties were rivals.
“This matter (an apology to Umno from DAP) should not be raised anymore. There is no need to repeat an issue that has already been agreed upon.
“During discussions to form the unity government, this (DAP apologising) was one of the main conditions we had set, and they agreed 100%,” he said when asked by reporters to comment on Akmal’s assertions.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, added that Umno grassroots members should not be influenced by those who are uneasy with the unity government’s existence and stability, which the Barisan Nasional linchpin is part of.
“For the grassroots, we have certain techniques to explain (Umno’s role in the unity government). I believe that we have clearly informed members about the matter,” he said.
In his policy speech to thousands of Umno Youth delegates, Akmal had suggested that DAP should apologise to Umno for any insults the latter had thrown Umno’s way in the past.
He said that this will “soften the hearts” of Umno supporters, in light of the upcoming elections set to be held in six states.
Pointing to how DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke had previously apologised to the people of Sarawak and the state government for any offensive statements that his party members had issued, Akmal said that Umno should be afforded similar considerations.
Jocelyn Chia skit: let authorities deal with it
Meanwhile, Zahid also said that he is leaving it up to the authorities to investigate stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia’s skit, which mocked Malaysians and the MH370 tragedy.
“We will leave it up to the relevant authorities, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision and the Royal Malaysia Police, to initiate investigations and take the necessary actions,” he said briefly.
Video clips of Chia’s show have recently made the rounds on social media and incited the ire of Malaysians, who took offence to the vulgar language used by the performer.
Umno Youth also intends to take to the streets tomorrow to voice their dissatisfaction over Singapore-born Chia’s performance by submitting a protest letter to the US Embassy here. – The Vibes, June 8, 2023
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