UMNO must continue to explain to the people why it chose to work with Pakatan Harapan in forming a unity government after the last general election, its vice-president Mahdzir Khalid said.

Mahdzir, who will be defending his post in the coming party polls, said it was especially important to explain why it was working with DAP.

“I am ready to take responsibility with the party leadership to give a clear picture to the people on our choice to be part of a unity government. We have to give a proper explanation,” he said in an interview with NRC TV on Facebook last night.

Mahdzir added that Umno must explain to the public its willingness to accept DAP, a party once labelled anti-Malay.

He said questions should not arise over the formation of the unity government, adding that Umno had always fought for the rights of all races.

He said the unity government was a reflection of cooperation among diverse political parties in the country.

“This is a government based on national integration, to build national unity.

“So we reject any extremists. Malays who are extreme we reject, Chinese and Indians who are extreme, we reject them as well.

“We don’t take in any extremist groups but we take groups that can accept and build this nation,” he said.

Yesterday Mahdzir announced his decision to defend his vice-president post.

Another vice-president, Mohamed Khaled Nordin has also confirmed defending his post.

However, the third incumbent, Ismail Sabri Yaakob has yet to reveal his plan, although he is speculated not to defend his post.

At the party’s general assembly last month, Umno decided there would be no contest for the posts of president and the deputy.

Umno will hold simultaneous elections for the party’s top positions nationwide next month. – February 24, 2023.