At their annual general meeting (AGM) on Saturday, the 15 DAP branches unanimously passed a resolution stating their support for the unity government’s candidates, on condition that they do not practise “extreme politics that can divide the people”.

“We will not compromise with any party or politician that promotes hate and division,” read a joint statement issued by the branches after the AGM, which was attended by Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong and publicity secretary Kerk Chee Yee.

The DAP branches said political stability, racial harmony, and progressive leadership were essential to the future of Malaysia, and that they wanted to build a more unified, just, and prosperous nation.

While they mentioned no names, the push against “divisive” politicians appears to be aimed at the outspoken Umno Youth chief, Dr Akmal Saleh.

The Jasin parliamentary constituency is composed of five state constituencies, including the Merlimau seat currently held by the Umno firebrand.

Akmal, a Melaka executive councillor, has repeatedly locked horns with various DAP leaders since the formation of the unity government, defending his outspoken nature as a defence of Malay-Muslim rights.

He has been outspoken on a range of issues, including the proposal to make Emergency-era New Villages a Unesco world heritage site, KK Mart’s sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”, and the role of vernacular schools.

Earlier this month, he slammed DAP after nine Melaka branches called for BN and PH to have an equal share of seats in the state election.

Melaka has 28 state assembly seats. In the 2021 polls, BN won 21, PH secured five, and Perikatan Nasional claimed two.