KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Tun Daim Zainuddin and Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim have been advised not to be used by DAP as tools to gain Malay votes for the opposition.
Umno veteran Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang said the three should be sincere in championing their cause instead of allowing the possible dismantling of the nation’s harmony and unity, all for the sake of toppling someone.
He said the implications of the loss unity can be damaging to the country, and said it has been experienced before in the May 13 incident, sparked by DAP.
“It’s not as if they don’t know who DAP are. My advice to these three friends of mine is that, I know you are all very intelligent, but if you can, think deeply.
“They align themselves with DAP to gather votes, but even they know deep down inside that they do not like DAP,” he told a press conference on Monday.
Abu Zahar said the situation now is becoming even clearer, with DAP cozying up even further with PKR.
“I am worried that DAP is contesting under the PKR symbol because DAP is well known for its racial nature,” he said.
Abu Zahar said, even if a person is out to topple someone, it has to be done the right way and not through politics of hate and slander that can harm the country’s reputation.
“To me, friends are friends, but the party’s struggle remains a separate issue.
“Personally, I cannot bring myself to sit with DAP given that they openly insult the Malays and poison the minds of the people.
“To my friends, all I can say is do not go overboard because it is us who will lose out in the end,” he said.
Abu Zahar also noted that his struggle with Umno began with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“Tun always reminded me that I should fight for the sake of the party.
“In 1999, I was not selected as a candidate. Tun rang me and told me that it’s okay if I’m not selected but I must give my support to those who were for the sake of the party,” he said.
Abu Zahar said that since then, he has continued to champion the party’s cause to this day.
He also expressed his puzzlement over Dr Mahathir’s actions, which he described as “sad.”
Abu Zahar, who is also former Dewan Negara Speaker, expressed his concern over the state of politics which he said was at a “critical juncture.” He also said the 14th General Election can be regarded as the deciding factor for the nation’s future.
“The nation’s stability is necessary for development. To me, politics of hate will only lead to a loss of unity,” he said.