ROMPIN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the DAP has provided guarantees to accept and comply with the four Articles enshrined in the Federal Constitution, including Islam and the special rights of Malays.
The Umno president said the other two Articles relate to Malay Rulers and the Malay language, adding that the guarantee was provided by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke during a meeting between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan before the formation of the unity government.
He said Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir were also present at the meeting.
“My first question as Barisan president was, ‘what about the position of Islam, Malay rights, the Malay language and the Malay Rulers?’
“When the question was posed, the DAP secretary-general replied: We are the new DAP, with new leadership, and we accept all Articles in the Constitution, including those four,” he said in a speech at a gathering at Dewan Terbuka Rompin in the presence of Mohamad, Zambry and Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Ahmad Zahid said the party’s grassroots did not need to worry because he, as Umno president and Barisan chairman, would never sell them out and would ensure that the party remained relevant to continue championing the rights and needs of the people.
“This is our test. We must persevere. Do not let our differences in opinion lead to a schism. Close ranks and unite so that Umno and Barisan can continue to be relevant not only in the unity government, but also for the future.
“We promise to serve the people together with our friends in the government,” he said.
Besides that, he reminded Barisan-elected representatives at the state and parliamentary levels to serve the people throughout the entire five-year period and not just in “seasons”.
Ahmad Zahid also urged voters in the Tioman state election to choose Barisan candidate Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Hussain as a show of support for the unity government, both in Pahang and at the federal level.
He also promised to assist with development in Tioman as prioritised by Wan Rosdy, including upgrading the cargo jetty in Kampung Tekek, Pulau Tioman, building a new mosque in Felda Selendang and constructing a mini stadium in Kampung Kolam here. — Bernama
