Describing this as a gentle approach that people who want cooperation hope for, Khairuddin, who is now with Umno, said that it was in line with Islam.

“I used to say when I was in government that we were worried about the damage brought by DAP, based on past experience.

“But after GE15, there was no single party that could form the government. So, there was a need to cooperate with DAP.

“We cannot deny that DAP as a party is made up of Malaysians, like Umno and its allies.

“So the need to work together definitely exists,” he told Malaysiakini in an interview.

The former plantation industries and commodities minister added that the concept of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government not only strengthened unity but also rejected hostility.

The former PAS central committee member said Umno had stayed calm, particularly throughout GE15, until becoming a part of the government.

Khairuddin also lauded the Anwar-led administration’s performance, praising it for giving priority to justice for the people, regardless of race and religion.

He also cautioned the new government not to repeat “old mistakes”, in reference to the previous Dr Mahathir Mohamad-led PH administration.

“These old mistakes include DAP being too quick to demand for what they were fighting for to the point of unsettling a huge part of Malaysian society, especially the Malay-Muslims.

“We do not want any more clashes between the races and religions; this is not good for the rakyat,” he said when asked to elaborate on what he meant by “old mistakes”.

Although Umno was previously seen to be vocal in their criticism of DAP, the party has been taking a gentler approach since becoming a part of the unity government.

This was apparent in Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan’s speech at the party’s general assembly, where he said attacking DAP would not increase Umno’s appeal among Malays.