UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng not to undermine the allies within the unity government with his remarks about a solitary rally for incarcerated former prime minister Najib Razak.

Zahid dismissed remarks by Lim, who expressed concern about Umno’s sincerity in the unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, calling them merely the Bagan MP’s personal opinion.

“His time has passed. Let’s have some faith in the current DAP leadership (when it comes to the issue of the rally).

“No need to cause friction among allies (in the unity government),” he told reporters after delivering his New Year’s message at the rural and regional development ministry today.

Zahid said Umno will proceed with the solidarity rally next week, as reported by the media.

PAS’s rally will be held on the same day that the Court of Appeal hears Najib’s application on a purported supplementary decree placing him under house arrest.

It would be Umno and PAS’s first time working together since their alliance under Muafakat Nasional ended in 2022.

More than 200 busloads of Najib’s supporters are expected to attend the rally, comprising Umno and PAS members. Bersatu leaders are also expected to attend.

On PAS’s decision to join the rally, Zahid said: “You’ll have to ask them.”

On other members of the opposition joining, the deputy prime minister said he was uncertain, but promised to monitor further developments.