MASJID TANAH: Umno members should not be afraid of the Umno-DAP relationship in the unity government, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He said the party must accept the reality that it was a part of a government which consisted of former rivals, including long-time foes, DAP.
"We are all too sentiment-driven, too emotional. Why should we be afraid of Umno-DAP?
"We already lost. We only have 26 seats left in Parliament, so we must act like people who have lost," he said when officiating the Umno Masjid Tanah division meeting here, today.
Also present was Melaka Chief Minister and Umno state liaison chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
He said DAP has been consistent in churning out strong and young leaders, who may not be good in politicking, but had a forward-thinking mindset.
"When these young candidates contest (in elections), those helping them are senior leaders who work to ensure their victory.
"And this isn't limited to the Chinese, but DAP also picks its young Malay leaders to stand in elections."
He said Pas candidates who may not have much experience were also capable of winning the votes of constituents, due to their dynamism in politics within the party.
"We cannot deny this. Pas has never openly fought among themselves. Umno leaders are champions when it comes to fighting each other, but in elections, we lose."