IPOH - The Parit Umno division remains unaffected by the recent participation of former Umno branch leaders who have joined DAP.
Instead, they viewed it as a publicity stunt for the party within the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
Parit Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Nizar Zakaria said that Umno is disappointed by the actions of the Parit Parliament DAP chairman, Tarmizi Mohd Jam.
Tarmizi's actions appear to be an attempt to disrupt the harmonious relationship between Umno and DAP at this time.
Mohd Nizar pointed out that Tarmizi, who has previously been associated with Pas and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), should be working to draw Opposition party leaders and members into the government party.
"Currently, government parties are in the process of adjusting and building harmony among themselves, not seeking publicity.
"So, what is the real intention of this Parit Parliament DAP?" he questioned.
He further added that the Parit Umno division remains unaffected, as the grassroots members are well aware of how the division's leadership functions.
In response to the situation, Mohd Nizar suggested that if any Parit Umno leaders were to join DAP, they should have informed the Umno division leadership instead of making announcements in the media.
He also denied allegations that the Parit Umno division did not provide room and opportunities for grassroots leaders to voice the people's concerns.
Mohd Nizar explained that the two former branch leaders who joined DAP previously held positions within Umno and had the opportunity to express their views through those positions.
Earlier reports from Sinar indicated that two former Umno branch leaders in the Parit division, along with eight other party members, had joined DAP.
These individuals include Titi Gantung Umno branch's former deputy chief, Abdul Mukmin Abd Rashid, and the Pekan Parit Umno Youth branch chief, Rosman Esa, who submitted their membership forms to Tarmizi in a ceremony in Seri Iskandar, Parit, last Friday.