BY remaining a key part of the unity government, UMNO has successfully prevented DAP from advancing several core elements of its political agenda, says UMNO Selayang division chief Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican.
He said the party has consistently opposed and blocked DAP’s long-standing demands, such as the introduction of local council elections, official recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate, and the enactment of the Urban Renewal Bill.
“It does not mean that just because DAP makes demands, UMNO has failed because it lacks the courage to oppose them.
“UMNO’s duty is to serve as a bulwark within the government to defend all the struggles of the Malay people, and we will not give way to their requests.
“So why are we still being labelled as UMDAP when it is precisely because UMNO is in the government that all those demands have failed?” he said during the debate on the President’s policy speech at the UMNO General Assembly 2025 at the World Trade Centre on Friday (Jan 16).
UMNO leaders describe this role as that of a vital bulwark, ensuring that proposals perceived as contrary to Malay and national interests do not materialise.
This track record is presented as clear evidence of UMNO’s strength and effectiveness in the coalition, rather than any sign of compromise or failure. — Jan 17, 2026
