PONTIAN - Allegations that many Umno members have left the party after DAP leaders entered the Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre (WTC) during the Unity Government National Convention last Sunday is baseless.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said these allegations were intended to break the unity among Umno members, who are also now part of the Unity government.
"DAP is only one of the 19 parties that attended the convention. Those who were not present in the hall will never know what happened inside.
"It is actually an honour for Umno that previously opponents DAP are now friends in the historical hall.
"Those allegations should not have been made because DAP members who were present are part of the Unity convention, and those who attended comprised Malays, Chinese, Indians, and also those from Sabah and Sarawak," he added.
Ahmad, who is also the deputy finance minister, commented on the issue after attending the Pontian Umno Wanita, Puteri, and Youth Hari Raya celebration on Tuesday.
Muafakat Nasional (MN) president Tan Sri Annuar Musa has previously said that more Umno members will reject the party after DAP leaders' presence at Dewan Merdeka.
Dewan Merdeka is considered a special location for UMNO members and is also where the party's general assembly takes place.