By-election: Claims that DAP has changed 'too good to be true' - Radzi Jidin 

JOHOR BAHRU - The Umno's statement that DAP, which is now part of Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN)'s Unity government has changed is deemed to be 'too good to be true'.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) vice president Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin said that DAP has yet to amend its party constitution to remove parts referring to secularism and a "Malaysian Malaysia," even though Umno Pulai has called for it.

"When the Pulai division Umno leader (Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed) made a statement calling for DAP to amend its constitution referring to a secular state and Malaysian Malaysia, its secretary-general Anthony Loke said there was no need for it.

"Umno has no power, and now Umno leaders are just talking," he said when speaking at a Perikatan Nasional (PN) campaign with chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at Kempas here on Saturday night.

Also present were PN Secretary General Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau, and PN candidate for the Pulai Parliamentary by-election, Zulkifli Jaafar.

Previously, Loke was reported as saying that there was no need for his party to drop the 'Malaysian Malaysia' slogan, as some parties were urging.

According to him, the principle was also explained and mutually agreed upon before the unity government led by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was formed previously.

He said Ahmad Zahid was also satisfied with the explanation given by DAP regarding the party's constitution.

Meanwhile, Radzi added, DAP, which has often given the impression that only their party is clean, is now seen as lacking integrity when it receives Umno President, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"If it is true that DAP has integrity, the party will fight against the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, the embezzlement, and the charges that Ahmad Zahid is facing. Of course, DAP will not sit with Ahmad Zahid.

"DAP is a 'chat' party, as if they are the only ones who are clean. But today Umno supports DAP, and UMNO leaders say DAP has changed a lot," he said.

Therefore, he, who is also the Chief Election Coordinator of the PN Pulai parliament, said that the PN's victory in the by-election this time will send a signal to the government, as happened in the Selangor state election last Aug 12.

"Voters of the Pulai Parliament need to use the opportunity on voting day on Sept 9, to ensure that in this by-election, we can send a clear signal to the PH-BN government.

"The signal is important to show them (the government) so that they understand the people reject them and want something much better," he said.