Umno, not DAP, testing limits of unity pact, says Ramkarpal

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno, not DAP, is straining the unity government's cooperation agreement, DAP legal bureau chairman Ramkarpal Singh said today.

He said the unity government was formed to ensure stable governance and economic recovery, not to create political uncertainty for narrow party interests.

"If there is any talk of breaching trust or violating the terms of our political cooperation and the agreement, the record speaks for itself.

"It is Umno's actions, not DAP's, that have strained the consensus and tested the limits of the agreement," he said in a statement.

He said DAP had always been a reliable and disciplined partner in government and remained committed to honouring the terms of the agreement.

"We continue to support the Prime Minister's reform and economic agenda, but we will not hesitate to speak the truth when the integrity of the coalition is compromised."

Ramkarpal was responding to remarks by Umno Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said concerning DAP National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo's comments on Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the current state of cooperation within the Unity Government.

"She cites the Cooperation Agreement of the Malaysia Unity Government. If there are differences of opinion among coalition partners, the appropriate response is dialogue and consultation, not public pressure or demands for resignation.

"Azalina's statement is indeed amusing. Perhaps she should remind herself of the purpose of the agreement."

Ramkarpal said three moves by Umno had undermined government stability.

These included aligning with the opposition in state elections, including in Johor, Negri Sembilan and Melaka, while remaining part of the federal administration alongside PH.

He also cited ongoing public criticism of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim by Umno leaders, saying it was weakening confidence in the government.

The third move was suggesting the dissolution of parliament before the end of its term, creating unnecessary political uncertainty.

Ramkarpal said DAP remained a disciplined government partner committed to Anwar's reform and economic agenda.

However, he said the party would speak out whenever the coalition's integrity was compromised.