Bersatu Grassroots Reject Cooperation with DAP, Emphasize Malay-Islamic Party Unity

Grassroots members of Malaysia's Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) have voiced strong opposition to any form of cooperation with the Democratic Action Party (DAP). Izizam Ibrahim, the deputy chairman of Bersatu in the state, emphasized that the party's long-standing principles concerning DAP are unambiguous, making it difficult for the grassroots to reconcile with such a partnership.

Ibrahim stated that the grassroots members prioritize collaboration with other political parties only if it serves the interests of Malays and Islam. "If it's with DAP, we definitely reject it, and that principle is very clear. We hope that Bersatu's direction moving forward will remain with Malay and Islamic parties," he told Utusan Malaysia.

This sentiment from the grassroots contrasts with some party leaders' more open stances. DAP's Deputy Secretary-General, Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji, had previously indicated DAP's openness to cooperating with any party, including Bersatu, to ensure national stability. Similarly, Pakatan Harapan (PH) election director, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, mentioned PH's openness to collaboration with Perikatan Nasional (PN) or Bersatu.

However, Izizam Ibrahim, who also serves as a state executive councilor, urged Bersatu to remain aligned with PN. He believes that for Malay-Islamic unity, a partnership between PN and Barisan Nasional (BN) would be most appropriate in preparation for the 16th General Election. He stressed the need for Malay-Muslims to unite despite political differences, calling on leaders to be magnanimous for the sake of this unity.

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If it's with DAP, we definitely reject it, and that principle is very clear. We hope that Bersatu's direction moving forward will remain with Malay and Islamic parties.