DAP between a rock and a hard place in ‘marriage’ with Umno
“DAP has kept quiet so far, but the more they keep quiet, the more they become MCA”
(MalaysiaNow) – Analysts say DAP may soon have to consider its next move, even as the dust settles on an apparent partnership with its long-time enemy Umno as part of the government led by Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the wake of the 15th general election.
Speaking to MalaysiaNow, they said clashes could be expected between the two parties despite their present truce.
“Already, Umno has made statements rejecting the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC),” he said, referring to the document issued to students who graduate from Chinese independent high schools, which PH had promised to recognise as part of its manifesto for the 2018 election.
The matter resurfaced just days after PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as prime minister, when Chinese education group Dong Zong began lobbying once more for its recognition as a qualification for entering local institutions of higher education.
Veteran Umno secretary Mustapha Yaakob had responded to Dong Zong’s calls by saying it had been rude in asking for UEC recognition.
Umno, a conservative nationalist Malay party, has traditionally painted DAP as the arch-enemy of the Malay agenda. The heavily Chinese DAP, for its part, is considered a left-wing party which touts itself as a champion of equality for all Malaysians.
Political analyst Liew Wui Chern said that DAP, realising its dilemma, was choosing to remain silent.
