KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — Umno senior leader Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed raised questions about the silence of DAP supporters regarding their support for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in the upcoming state elections (PRN).

Utusan Malaysia today reported that he commented on the disparity of their actions compared to, in the past when DAP supporters frequently criticised or took a stance when BN was in power.

"Don’t just point at Umno, see if Umno supports DAP or not, cooperate or otherwise, why are DAP supporters silent? We have never heard any statement from them, will they support our candidate during the next PRN? The reason is that only DAP leaders issue statements often.

"In the past, there were only statements that DAP issued when BN was in power, so much so that even his supporters who were NGOs were busy wanting to issue statements,” he was quoted as saying.

Referring to the attendance of Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders, including DAP, at the upcoming Umno General Assembly (PAU) 2023, Jazlan expressed concerns that this might discourage grassroots members who are still apprehensive about cooperating with DAP.

The news portal also earlier reported that it was the first time in history that DAP and PKR leaders would attend Umno's general assembly.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the presidents of all parties in the Unity Government, including the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will attend the PAU 2023 which will be held at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur.

Nur Jazlan added that the question regarding the stance of DAP supporters should be emphasised so that it is properly explained to all parties.

He also said that the propriety of other party leaders including DAP attending the PAU 2023 was an ‘experiment’ to attract interest in cooperation between the two parties.

"Yes, the trial will be at the PAU 2023 stage and the test will be during the state elections later. Whether we are accepted or not, we will see the results during the PRN later.

"While the transition from the time of the Alliance in 1969 to Barisan Nasional took five years to work with all parties, even that did not involve DAP, it is now. Of course, it takes time,” he was quoted as saying.