KUALA LUMPUR - In what appeared to be a contrasting stance taken by his party members, Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi downplayed the party's Youth wing demand for DAP to apologise over its past insults.
He told reporters at a press conferece held at the party hedquarters at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre here today, that he does not see the need for such apology from the predominantly-Chinese party.
"These issues do not need to be brought up again.
"In our negotiations to form the unity government (with Pakatan Harapan); such matters (that are Islam and Malay-centric) were the primary condition.
"They (DAP) gave their full commitment, so there is no need for us to repeat what they have already agreed to," said Zahid who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.
Earlier today, Umno Youth Chief Muhammad Akmal Salleh urged DAP to show proof that the party will not repeat any of its anti-Malay and anti-Islam remarks that were spewed in the past by way of tendering a formal apology.
Akmal believed that much needed to be done given that most Umno members were still very concerned and worried about the ongoing political cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and PH.
Umno, along with BN, have, for years, been at odds with PH, particularly with DAP over the latter's incendiary remarks against the Malays party.
However, everything changed following the conclusion of last year's 15th General Election (GE15) where no single party won enough seats to form the government.
Nonetheless, Umno ultimately managed to form the government with PH after both parties agreed to forge a political alliance.