DAP should communicate its stance to Malay community more often

PONTIAN - DAP leaders should state clearly the party's stance on the Federal Constitution to avoid misunderstandings among Malays and Umno members.

According to Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, the constitution outlines four critical matters: Islam as the religion of the Federation, the position of the Malay rulers, the special privileges of the Malays, and the Malay language as the national language.

"At present, the issue being played up is the defeat of BN in the previous state elections, focusing on two matters: the case of Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the relationship with DAP.

"Due to this, I hope the DAP leadership will more frequently explain that they are adhering to the four matters in the Federal Constitution," he said.

The Pontian Member of Parliament commented during a press conference after a visitation session and friendly program with the District School Sports Council (MSSD) Pontian at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tan Sri Osman Mohd Sa'at on Tuesday.

The Deputy Finance Minister added that DAP cannot rely on Umno leaders to express their party's stance. Still, the top leadership of DAP must provide statements more frequently regarding this matter.

"I know this matter was already present in DAP's declaration in 2012 and the DAP@50 Declaration 2016. In these declarations, DAP supported Islam, the Malays, the Monarchs, and the Malay language.

"However, this information about support doesn't reach the grassroots level leaders, Umno members, and Malays. One or two speeches are insufficient; more frequent explanations must be given.

"I have heard speeches by DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook; I was on the same stage. He mentioned that DAP is not against supporting the Federal Constitution's core of these four matters," he said.

In last Saturday's state elections, Umno was again rejected by the Malay community after the results saw the party winning only 19 out of 108 contested seats, supposedly due to its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH), particularly with DAP, in the formation of the Federal Government.

Political analyst Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said most Umno members and the Malay community may have transferred their votes to Perikatan Nasional (PN) as many are upset with the former's decision to collaborate with PH.