Zahid said Umno Supreme Council member Isham Jalil’s call for such a referendum was merely his personal opinion.

“Why do we need a referendum? There’s no need for a referendum,” Berita Harian quoted the Barisan Nasional chairman and deputy prime minister as saying.

“I respect personal opinions, but don’t force others to respect your personal opinion.”

Zahid was speaking at a press conference at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur today.

Yesterday, Isham urged Umno to conduct a referendum among its three million members on whether they want to cooperate with DAP.

He had also said earlier the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had only decreed that BN work with Pakatan Harapan to form the government after the last general election, and not to contest elections as coalition partners.

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has dismissed Isham’s claim as his personal opinion which was not reflective of Umno’s stance.