Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today commended several DAP ministers for supporting policies that protect Malay and Bumiputera interests, pushing back against criticism of Umno’s cooperation with DAP under the unity government.
Speaking at the closing of the Umno General Assembly 2025, Zahid highlighted the consistent backing from DAP ministers, including Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, for initiatives aimed at safeguarding the welfare of Malays, particularly those in vulnerable sectors.
He cited the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint Gobind to the Bumiputera Economic Congress committee, noting that similar appointments of non-Malay leaders had been made during the first congress in 1965 under Tun Abdul Razak.
“There was not a single one of the 132 initiatives in the Bumiputera Economic Congress that Gobind did not agree with,” Zahid said, emphasizing that DAP’s involvement did not hinder Bumiputera-focused policies.
He also pointed to cooperation in the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion, which he chairs, saying that Loke had never opposed any proposals he put forward. Zahid noted that around 6,000 people die in road accidents each year, with 93% involving motorcycle riders and pillion passengers—many of whom are food delivery workers—and that 87% of these victims are Malays.
“These statistics justify stronger protections for Malay youths in the gig economy,” he said, explaining that this concern led to the proposal to establish a Gig Economy Commission, which received support from Loke, Gobind, and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, all from DAP.
Zahid reiterated that no DAP minister opposed measures to improve safety or economic protection for Malay workers, dismissing claims that cooperation with DAP undermines Umno’s core mission.
“I am stating facts,” he said, questioning why Umno’s partnership with DAP is portrayed negatively. Addressing critics who call the alliance “UmDap,” Zahid said the accusations came from political rivals, not Umno members, sarcastically adding, “They accuse us of being UmDap, yet they themselves had already married DAP four times before.”
He concluded by stressing that Umno would continue to work with its partners in government as long as Malay and Bumiputera interests are upheld.
