DAP Youth has reminded United Malays National Organisation (Umno) not to forget the major political support it received from Pakatan Harapan (PH) following Barisan Nasional’s worst-ever electoral performance during the 2022 General Election (GE15).
In a strongly worded statement, DAP Youth said Umno managed to win only 26 parliamentary seats in GE15 and claimed PH played a crucial role in helping the party survive amid the growing wave of support for Perikatan Nasional (PN).
The wing pointed out that during the six state elections held in August 2023, Umno was allegedly given “safe seats” to contest as PH and BN cooperated under the unity government arrangement.
DAP Youth also highlighted how Umno assemblymen were included in PH-led state administrations in Selangor and Penang, while PH representatives continued backing Umno-led governments in Pahang and Perak to ensure political stability.
“In 2023, cooperation between PH and BN, including seat allocations, prevented clashes and helped revive Umno so the party could remain relevant in Malaysia’s political landscape,” the statement said.
However, DAP Youth claimed some Umno leaders had forgotten PH’s assistance and were now acting in ways that could destabilise the unity government.
The youth wing alleged that certain leaders were attempting to create instability in Negeri Sembilan while others were openly calling for an “all-out war” in Johor despite holding senior positions in the federal administration.
“In reality, Umno currently holds the highest number of minister and deputy minister posts among all parties in the unity government,” it added.
The statement was issued in response to Johor Umno chief Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who recently insisted that Barisan Nasional would contest all 56 seats independently in the next Johor state election.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also chairs PH, and BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi are expected to meet to discuss the matter.
Since the unity government was formed in November 2022, Johor remains the only state administration that does not include representatives from both PH and BN.
DAP Youth further argued that if BN insists on contesting solo in Johor, Parliament should be dissolved immediately so that the 16th General Election (GE16) can be held simultaneously with the state election.
The wing also urged PH to contest independently against BN nationwide if the coalition chooses to go alone.
Citing projections by Tindak Malaysia, DAP Youth claimed PH could potentially win 29 out of the 56 seats in the Johor state assembly based on voting patterns recorded during GE15.
“If certain parties are determined to become backstabbers and undermine the spirit of the unity government, then DAP Youth urges the prime minister to dissolve Parliament immediately and allow GE16 to be held together with the state elections,” the statement said.
“Let Malaysians decide clearly and once and for all.”
