KUALA LUMPUR - Umno leaders need to provide clear and straightforward explanations to the younger generation about the history of political cooperation between parties in the country.
Its Pasir Salak division chief Khairul Azwan Harun said this was crucial to combat the false narratives spread by the opposition about Umno's alliance with DAP in the unity government.
He said political history showed that Pas and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) were the first to collaborate with DAP, but only "UMDAP" has been used as a campaign tool by the opposition.
"If we look back to 2008, after the 12th General Election (GE12), Pas was far ahead in cooperating with DAP to form a government.
"Then, in GE14, Bersatu also collaborated with DAP. But only 'UMDAP' has been mocked to the extent that it has caused hatred among the youth, who now insult and criticise us (Umno) for partnering with DAP, a component of Pakatan Harapan (PH).
"Therefore, Umno leaders at all levels must share the facts and historical context with the youth to prevent them from becoming complacent, neglectful, or ignorant of history," he said.
He also said that by doing so, Umno’s future will remain on the right track as it has emerging leaders ready to uphold the party’s legacy.
He said this during the 2024 Umno General Assembly held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), today.
Khairul added that since the pre-independence era, Umno has fostered political collaboration with other parties.
He noted that never in Umno’s history has it independently formed a government without cooperation with other parties.
However, he said in choosing political partners, Umno has always ensured that the party’s principles remain unchanged, particularly in defending the Malays, Islam and the Malay Rulers.