KUALA LUMPUR: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook has brushed off Umno Youth demands for an apology, urging all quarters to move on from the past rivalry between the two parties.
"I agree with the Umno president's (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) mandate that we need to let go of the past.
"What has been said (by Zahid) is enough and we will continue to move forward.
"Every political party has its sentiment and beliefs, but this animosity needs to end as it won't get us anywhere if we keep bringing up the past," he told reporters after attending the Umno president's policy speech at the 2023 Umno General Assembly.
Loke added that there was no issue of incompatibility among parties in the unity government since it was formed six months ago.
"The cabinet has been functioning well and we have held meetings every once a week but there are no clashes so far.
"Our aim in the unity government is to move forward and show our commitment to work together.
"I also feel that we have long put behind political enmity and conflict since the government was formed, so what's important now (is to address) various challenges thrown against us."
Yesterday, Umno Youth chief
Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh called on DAP to apologise for its past statements and allegations against the party.
Dr Akmal said that the party should apologise if it wants to "soften" the hearts of Umno members, especially in facing the upcoming state elections.
Following this, Zahid yesterday called on party leaders and members to stop bringing up the party's past rivalry with DAP.