KUALA KUBU BARU: Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan urged Malay voters, particularly Umno supporters, not to fear or boycott DAP in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

He said DAP has consistently upheld and respected the Federal Constitution.

"Some Umno members and Malays hesitate to support the government due to its coalition with DAP.

"However, DAP, a source of concern for some Umno members and Malays has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to four key aspects of the Federal Constitution through its leaders like Anthony Loke and Steven Sim.

"They support Islam as the federal religion while ensuring the coexistence of other religions. Additionally, they endorse the special rights of Malays and bumiputeras as enshrined in the constitution while advocating fairness for all Malaysian citizens.

"They also support the position of the Malay rulers and the Malay language as the national language," said Ahmad, who is deputy works minister, after a visit to the SK Tun Abdul Razak construction site here today.

He added that Umno's core principles align with those four key issues.

Therefore, he said, if the unity government proposes a candidate from the DAP, it should not be a cause for concern.

He suggested that voters reconsider their choices if they are adamant about supporting Perikatan Nasional.

"If, while casting your vote, you're considering that DAP doesn't endorse these four principles and thus you're inclined towards supporting Perikatan Nasional, I urge you to rethink.

"DAP remains a legal party because of their commitment to the Federal Constitution.

"So, why should we be overly concerned? If the candidate is from Pakatan Harapan and happens to be from DAP, what's the issue?"

The Election Commission announced the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election following the death of its assemblyman, Lee Kee Hiong.

Nomination day will be on April 27 while voting will take place on May 11.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/04/1041721/ahmad-maslan-malay-voters-especially-umno-members-must-not-boycott-dap