‘No DAP’ slogan irrelevant, says Puad after BN’s Mahkota win

“It (No DAP slogan) is just an excuse for those (in Umno) who wish to switch sides or have no future in the party”

(NST) – Barisan Nasional’s landslide victory in last night’s Mahkota by-election in Johor shows the “No DAP” slogan is irrelevant, says an Umno Supreme Council member.

“It (No DAP slogan) is just an excuse for those (in Umno) who wish to switch sides or have no future in the party,” said Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

Puad said Umno and DAP cooperation was key to the sustainability of the unity government, and that the Mahkota by-election provided the “best formula” to cooperation between the two parties.

“Differing views, such as in the halal issue did not stop us from winning. There was no boycott and DAP was committed in campaigning (for BN),” he said in a Facebook post.

He said there was no harm in both parties having differing views on issues.

“What is important is the wisdom to resolve them (differences).

“The openness of the new generation of DAP leaders and the maturity of Umno leaders will open a new page in the country’s political landscape.”

Meanwhile, Puad said Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) loss could lead to dissent within its ranks.

In yesterday’s by-election BN’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah won the Mahkota seat with an over 20,000 vote majority in a straight fight against PN’s Mohamad Haizan Jaafar.