SUBANG - A statement made by an individual does not represent the official stance of a political party, even if it goes against the spirit of unity within a coalition.
Umno President, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said that such statements should not be welcomed or entertained, especially during critical times leading up to the state elections.
He noted that as a component of the Barisan Nasional (BN), all parties understand their respective roles and responsibilities in the lead-up to the state polls, and therefore, issues of this nature should not be raised.
"Statements from various leaders of different parties, especially involving personal opinions, are unwelcome. A party will not endorse personal opinions, and they should not be entertained. Issues like this will create the perception that we lack unity," he said during a press conference on Monday.
He made these remarks after launching the 23rd Asia Pacific Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Conference.
Also present were the newly-minted Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tan Sri Razarudin Husain @ Abd Rasid; the United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Brian D McFeeters; and the Deputy Director of International Operations for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Raymond P Duda.
Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid said that BN component parties, including MCA, MIC, and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), unanimously support full cooperation to uphold their shared cause during the upcoming PRN.
He stressed that the cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) is currently at its best level.
"In light of this, there is no need for any party to entertain statements from individuals that differ from the official stance of their respective parties.
"All parties within the BN and PH components adhere to the official positions of their parties.
"I express my gratitude to the top leadership of MCA, MIC, and PBRS for their full support in facing the PRN together to achieve success," he said.