PUTRAJAYA – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived at the DAP annual conference with much fanfare at 9.30am, accompanied by other Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders.
This is despite his contentious dismissal not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA), where all of his 47 graft charges relating to Zahid’s foundation – Yayasan Akalbudi – were dropped.
Wearing BN’s signature blue shirt, Zahid was greeted with applause and requests by DAP grassroots members to have photos taken with him.
DAP’s invite is seen as a reciprocal move after Umno invited its former nemesis to its annual general meeting in June.
Also in attendance are BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir and Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Earlier today, several DAP grassroots members speculated that Zahid might not attend, but expressed their approval to have him in today’s conference.
Mohamad Norriduan, political secretary to Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee, said having Umno in the conference does not ignite any hard feelings between supporters of both parties.
Pointing out DAP members’ positive reception when Zahid arrived, he added that they often welcome guests of other parties.
Other unity government leaders spotted at the event are PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sab, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin.
The annual conference starts with a welcome speech by DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, followed by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke’s policy speech.
It is a historic moment for the host as this is the first time DAP invited now-ally Barisan Nasional and its components Umno and MCA.
Last week, DAP national organising secretary Steven Sim said all parties in the unity government, including Umno and MCA, had been invited to DAP’s annual conference. – September 10, 2023