PAKATAN Harapan does not need to apologise to Umno over past criticisms when they were both political rivals before forming the unity government alliance, says Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“No need (for Pakatan) to apologise. Don’t disturb the component parties in the unity government. We must respect one another.

“What is important is that we must maintain the current state and situation of the government. Do not create problems,” Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said in response to a statement from Johor Umno leader Nur Jazlan Mohamed, according to Bernama.

Nur Jazlan had wanted Pakatan to apologise for its past criticism of Umno, when they were political rivals before they formed the unity government alliance after the 15th General Election.

Ahmad Zahid said Nur Jazlan’s comments was the latter’s opinion, and that any comment by Umno leaders is considered a personal stand unless it is made by the party president.

He added that he had met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the leaders of unity government parties after the Cabinet meeting, and they agreed to set aside their differences and foster better cooperation to face by-elections and the next general election.