U.S. Halal Standards Uphold and Rare Earths Negotiations Not Relegated to Exclusive Agreement with America (Tengku Zafrul)
In a significant development for Malaysian politics, over 30 DAP MPs visited the Umno headquarters earlier this month, marking a historic display of cross-party cooperation [1][2][3]. The visit, which took place at Menara Dato Onn, was for a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) briefing led by Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi [1].
This event, a rare occurrence in Malaysian politics, reflects the unity government's commitment to working across party lines. It is a testament to the active collaboration between DAP and Umno, once fierce rivals, now sharing power under the Anwar-led unity government formed after the 2022 general election [2].
Leaders from both parties attended the briefing, demonstrating the unity government's resolve to transcend ideological and party differences for national progress. This spirit of unity was echoed by Chan Foong Hin, Kota Kinabalu MP, who wrote on Facebook about the visit, stating that nation-building requires unity, not uniformity [1].
Chan, along with other DAP leaders such as Anthony Loke (party secretary-general), Lim Guan Eng (adviser), and Chong Chieng Jen (vice-chairman), attended the briefing. Umno leaders, including vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Ghani and secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, were also present [1].
The visit comes amidst several key developments this week, signaling the government's direction, including the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim [1]. This event underscores the importance of political cooperation for government stability and national development, a point emphasized by Umno's president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi [4].
In a statement, Chan expressed support for continuing to stand behind Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and believed that his strategy, as demonstrated by the tariff revision, could benefit Malaysian exporters [1][2]. The revised US tariff rate could potentially benefit Malaysian exporters, but further details are yet to be announced.
The relationship between DAP and Umno is characterized by active political collaboration as part of the unity government, moving beyond past rivalry towards shared governance and nation-building efforts [1][2][3][4]. Despite acknowledging that the unity government is "not perfect", Chan stressed that its leaders are serious about fulfilling their responsibilities and are committed to working towards national progress through unity, not uniformity.
This historic visit and the subsequent cross-party cooperation are a promising sign for the future of Malaysian politics, demonstrating a new era of political maturity and unity in the country.
References: [1] The Star, "DAP MPs visit Umno HQ for TVET briefing", August 5, 2025. [2] Free Malaysia Today, "DAP-Umno cooperation: A new era in Malaysian politics", August 6, 2025. [3] Malay Mail, "Umno and DAP: A historic visit and a new era of cooperation", August 7, 2025. [4] Bernama, "Ahmad Zahid emphasizes the importance of political cooperation for government stability and national development", August 8, 2025.
- The government's unity, demonstrated by the cross-party cooperation between DAP and Umno, is a significant development in Malaysian politics, showcased by the historic visit to the Umno headquarters for a technical and vocational education briefing.
- This collaboration is not only reflected in the area of education but extends to general news, politics, and law, as leaders from both parties demonstrated their resolve to work together for national progress.
- In Kuala Lumpur, the heart of Malaysia, the tech sector may also benefit from this new era of unity, as the government's commitment to transcending ideological and party differences could foster an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
- As the 13th Malaysia Plan is tabled and the President of Umno, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, emphasizes the importance of political cooperation for government stability and national development, the future of Malaysia appears to be guided by unity, not uniformity.
){kind=link}