The Umno president said this same principle has always been applied in the party with its youth wing, even when he was heading it in the 1990s, Mingguan Malaysia reported.

“If we look at (the views of) Umno Youth, that’s not the stand of the Umno Supreme Council.

“That’s how Umno Youth has always been, even during my time. So let’s treat Umno Youth as Umno Youth,” he was quoted as saying.

Zahid was asked to comment on Umno and DAP appearing to still be at each other’s throats despite being allies under the unity government for three years now.

In August, there were growing calls from DAP Youth divisions and state chapters for the party to cut ties with Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh.

Two weeks ago, Akmal dared his DAP counterpart Woo Kah Leong to cut ties with Umno after the latter reportedly said the youth wings of DAP, Umno and MCA “walk different paths and cannot work together”.

DAP and Umno were long-time rivals but their enmity was put aside as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim formed the unity government following the outcome of the 15th general election (GE15) in November 2022.

Both of their coalitions, Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, are expected to continue their alliance in the next general election.

Zahid said DAP has never “disturbed” any of Umno’s areas, and vice versa.

He added that DAP had also proven to be helpful to Umno candidates in state elections and by-elections since GE15.

“We may be contesting (under our own banners) but the collaboration remains intact. This is not just in terms of election machinery, but in terms of their voters supporting us.”