KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Several Umno leaders have dissented against the party's secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan’s call for voters to support DAP candidates in the upcoming six state elections.

Sinar Daily yesterday quoted Negeri Sembilan Umno chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias saying that there was no need to urge voters to support any party.

"This is because voters have already made up their own decision and I hope all parties would be more careful and not to mention anything that can be misinterpreted," he reportedly said.

The Jelebu MP suggested that Umno should instead focus on convincing the public that the current government is the best option in the upcoming state elections.

"We have to show that the coalition can give more benefits compared to the previous government.

"But, if there is any party that believes such a method is the best, then it is up to them.

"Personally, I believe that these two months are crucial for convincing the people," he reportedly said.

Meanwhile, Iskandar Puteri Umno deputy chief Datuk Pandak Ahmad told Berita Harian that it was not right to "force” the party’s supporters to vote for DAP.

"The statement made by Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan is of a personal nature, he fails to understand the sentiments at the grassroots level, therefore he should not disregard the grassroots principles just to preserve his current position.

"We can collaborate within the unity government, but in the context of urging or forcing Umno supporters to back another party, that is not within his power, so he should be careful when making such statements.

"We do not want to lose the trust of Umno grassroots members, especially those that have been with us for a long time,” he was quoted as saying.

On Friday, Ahmad Maslan had called on Umno members to adhere to party discipline and vote for DAP members in the upcoming state elections.