KEPALA BATAS: Ties between Umno and DAP in Penang remain cordial despite the tensions between the parties during the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections, says Bertam assemblyman Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
Reezal, the Kepala Batas Umno chief, said the two parties had never “clashed” despite their differences.
“But what happened in Johor and Negeri Sembilan will definitely have an impact. We can’t deny that reality,” he said, referring to the alliance between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the two state elections.
He was speaking to reporters after distributing the Jalur Gemilang in his constituency today.
Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Chow Kon Yeow said on Monday that the coalition had yet to decide whether Umno would remain in the state unity government following BN’s growing cooperation with PN.
Reezal said he had maintained a professional working relationship with the state government and that Chow’s administration was well aware of this.
He acknowledged that BN’s leadership would have the final say on ties between BN and PH.
However, he emphasised that his working relationship with his unity government partners in Kepala Batas should not be severed.
“I have spoken with my friends here in Kepala Batas, whether they are in BN or our allies in the unity government, and told them that regardless of the situation, we want to ensure that we maintain our close relationship because, ultimately, we want to benefit the people here.”
‘BN-PN alliance not racist’
Reezal also rubbished the notion that BN and PN had exploited identity politics to win the Negeri Sembilan polls.
Reezal said voters were not so easily swayed by such tactics, and that people wanted ideological clarity, which both BN and PN offered.
“In Negeri Sembilan, PAS was championing Islam. Umno was championing Malay interests. MCA championed Chinese interests and MIC, Indian interests. There is clarity here.
“Meanwhile, on the other side, perhaps I could be wrong, but DAP, despite being portrayed as multiracial, is seen as focussing on one race. Maybe PKR is also seen as focussed on a single race. People don’t see clarity in these parties.”
