KUALA LUMPUR - They have been at each other's throats for decades but today, the grassroots of Umno have shown indications that they are ready to bury the hatchet against DAP and are even willing to vote for the party's candidates in the coming state polls.
Ordinary member, Nabil Nordin said that he saw no harm in doing so, now that the predominantly Chinese party and Umno are part of the same government.
"For now, DAP has done no harm to the Malays. So, I see no problem with voting for their candidates," said Nabil, a 65-year-old Umno member from Selangor.
Another kindred spirit, Kamaruzaman Abdullah from Kelantan, echoed a similar view.
"I'd do it for the sake of the country's stability. But I hope those DAP leaders won't cause any harm to us Malays," said the 53-year-old Kelantanese.
Negeri Sembilan Umno Wanita member, Norliza Che Isa, also expressed that she saw no problem in casting her vote to a DAP candidate.
"I will stand by DAP because we are now part of the unity government. And personally, I think this will no longer be an issue among us," said the 52-year.
In fact, there were also members who, despite coming from states that won't be going to the polls, also expressed similar readiness to vote for DAP.
"If my constituency has a DAP candidate, I will vote and support them," said 30-year-old Papar Umno chief Ummi Nabilah Jamal.
However, some hoped that DAP members and supporters would reciprocate Umno's proverbial electoral olive branch.
"They (DAP members) must also be willing to vote for Umno candidates as well. This is how it should be done," said Temerloh Umno Youth vice-chairman Syazwan Salleh.
A total of six states will be going to the polls this year, namely; Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.