KK Mart episode shows that for Umno-DAP, never the twain shall meet
There was a clear polarisation at hand, as Umno tries to represent the sentiments of Malay Muslims while DAP defends a Chinese-run company.
(MalaysiaNow) – The ‘Allah’ socks affair only confirms that Umno and DAP are on two different poles despite the gestures of their top leaders.
Relations between Umno and DAP have failed to improve despite over a year of power sharing in Putrajaya, and in fact appear to have worsened over various issues related to race and religion, most recently the “Allah” socks controversy at convenience chain store KK Mart.
There is also the issue of “national heritage” recognition for bak kut teh, a Chinese dish known for its main ingredient of pork, and the renewed debate on vernacular schools which have left Umno and DAP firmly entrenched in opposing positions.
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh appears to be the Malay party’s answer to ministers often embroiled in racially charged issues, such as DAP leader Nga Kor Ming and Sarawak politician Tiong King Sing.
Such issues would appear to confirm that attempts by the Umno leadership, particularly its president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to portray DAP as a “friend” have been in vain.
“Umno and DAP have fundamental differences in their ideological approaches, which were not discussed in depth when the alliance was formed,” said International Islamic University analyst Rabi’ah Aminudin.
Rabi’ah was referring to Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH), bitter enemies for decades which joined forces to form the federal government after the general election two years ago which ended with an impasse in Parliament.
Since then, there have been some shifts among Umno warlords who are unhappy with DAP.
The “Allah” socks affair, in particular, put Umno in a tight spot, especially for Akmal.
When the socks were discovered at KK Mart, a retail chain owned by Chinese businessmen who are traditionally seen as supporters and funders of DAP, Akmal wasted no time championing the issue by calling on Muslims to boycott the company.
