MACHANG: The fact that Umno is urging its members to support DAP candidates in the upcoming state elections should come as no surprise, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The party had used this strategy in the past, he said.
"Umno and Barisan Nasional members previously directed their votes to MIC and MCA candidates.
"The current approach of urging Umno members to support DAP candidates is not based solely on party affiliation, but rather on shared values to strengthen the unity government," the Umno president and deputy prime minister said.
Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, was speaking after attending Felcra's Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here today.
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Also present was Felcra Bhd chairman and Kelantan BN chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub.
Zahid said Umno has devised a strategy to get members to vote for DAP.
He said this in response to a statement on Friday by former Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan that Umno voters in the six states facing elections were being encouraged to vote for DAP candidates.
Ahmad Maslan said the move was to strengthen the unity government
He added that Umno members must adhere to party discipline.
Ahmad Maslan also emphasised that Umno voters needed to put aside personal sentiments.
Zahid also said the allocation of seats to parties in the unity government would be disclosed prior to the dissolution of the six state assemblies.
He said an announcement would be made in mid-June.