Umno-DAP ties in Penang remain good, says Reezal

Kepala Batas MP Reezal Merican Naina Merican says relations between Umno and DAP in Penang remain good, stressing that the two parties have never 'clashed' despite differing stands.

"However, what happened in Johor and Negeri Sembilan will certainly have an impact. We cannot deny that fact," he said, referring to the cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the two state elections.

Reezal, who is also Umno Kepala Batas chief, spoke to reporters after distributing Jalur Gemilang flags in his parliamentary constituency today.

Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Chow Kon Yeow said on Monday that the coalition had yet to decide whether Umno would remain in the state unity government following the deepening BN-PN cooperation.

Reezal said he maintained a professional working relationship with the state government, and that Chow's administration was aware of this. He acknowledged that the BN leadership had the final say on ties between BN and PH.

Nevertheless, he insisted that working ties with unity government partners in Kepala Batas should not be cut off.

"I have spoken to my friends here in Kepala Batas, whether they are in BN or our coalition partners in the unity government, and told them that no matter what the situation is, we want to ensure this close relationship is maintained because ultimately we want to benefit the people here," he said.

BN-PN cooperation not race-based

Reezal also rejected claims that BN and PN used identity politics to win the Negeri Sembilan state election. He said voters were not easily swayed by such tactics, and instead wanted ideological clarity, which he said BN and PN offered.

"In Negeri Sembilan, PAS champions Islam. Umno champions Malay interests. MCA champions the interests of the Chinese and MIC champions the interests of the Indian community. There is clarity there," he said.

"But on the other side, maybe I am wrong, but DAP, although portrayed as a multiracial party, is seen as focusing on one race. Perhaps PKR is also seen as focusing on one race. People do not see clarity in these parties," he added.