JOHOR BARU: The cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan continues to be questioned by voters, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman, who is also Umno president, said even though the unity government has been running for nine months, the issue still rises.
He said the coalition will need to work hard to convince voters and its grassroots that the cooperation with Pakatan is for the good of every Malaysian.
"And this is not a new thing for Barisan; we have cooperated with Gerakan at one point in the past, which was the opposition in control of Penang at that time," he added.
Ahmad Zahid said this in a press conference after launching Belia Desa Madani at B5 Street Market here on Friday (Aug 25).
He added that the rejection of Umno members and the Malays, as a whole, at that time was very high.
However, an explanation was carried out and that helped Barisan, adding the people accepted it.
"It is not impossible for Barisan and Pakatan to do this even though the attack is very constant with various slanders and issues raised.
"What is important in our country is togetherness and understanding between various races, cultures and religions must be shown so that racial prejudice does not arise.
"This is important because we want to form a civilised Malaysia with different races without abandoning the national identity of the country," he added.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk MP, said Umno members should respect the party’s democratic process and not be influenced by certain quarters calling for a change in the top leadership.
He said Umno members should instead be united and strengthen the party during such a difficult time.
"Do not play the blame game. When we won with a high majority in Melaka and Johor, nobody told the president to resign and no one even praised the president.
"In politics, there are ups and downs. When we are up, no praise is given, but when we are down, there is a lot of anger.
"We have to change our minds so that we can strengthen unity and solidarity within our party," he added.
