DAP will never agree to Umno joining the government, said its deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo.

“I can say on behalf of DAP that we will never work with Umno,” the communications and multimedia minister told reporters in Putrajaya today.

“We will never work with them. I think Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) has said it clearly and we hold on to the same position,” Gobind said, referring to a recent meeting between Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the prime minister.

On whether the meeting involved talks of Umno forming a unity government with Pakatan Harapan (PH), Gobind replied: “It is just a meeting, just like we have meetings with people. I’m sure there was no real discussion (about a possible alliance).”

DAP is the second party within PH which has declared that it will not work with Umno, following reports that the former ruling party was looking to form a unity government with PH.

Earlier today, Bersatu deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin said the party would not accept Umno into its fold, but would consider former Umno members.

Gobind also responded to queries on whether PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim would succeed Dr Mahathir as prime minister.

“We have stated it repeatedly and clearly during the election campaign that Dr Mahathir would serve as prime minister and Anwar will be the next prime minister.

“We at DAP gave our support to this arrangement and we are confident it will be a peaceful transition. I don’t expect any problems,” said the Puchong MP.

“As we can see, these two leaders are working hard to repair the country’s financial and political situation and I feel that we need to respect the leadership of these two leaders and their contributions.” – September 27, 2018.