Umno Penang councillor whacks DAP at AGM, says sorry in resignation letter

Umno Penang councillor whacks DAP at AGM, says sorry in resignation letter

Published: Sep 16, 2026 3:16 PM


A Penang Umno leader who served as a state councillor appeared to make a 180 on his views about DAP, just days after he took shots at the latter.


Permatang Pauh Umno division chief Zaidi Said, during the party's annual general meeting on Saturday, accused DAP of being a racist party that was against the Umno-PAS Malay unity agenda.

However, in a letter resigning from his post as a Seberang Perai city councillor on Monday, Zaidi (above) struck a very different tone, apologising for his remarks while also hailing state DAP leaders.

This comes amid a push by some in DAP for the state government to kick Umno out, following the latter's challenge to Putrajaya to remove it as a partner in the federal government.


In his speech at the Umno AGM on Saturday, Zaidi claimed that the Umno-PAS Malay unity agenda had rattled DAP.

"They are nervous; they can't stand to see Malay unity happening. Why? Because when Malays unite, they will not be in power.


"So, they will use whatever means to end Malay unity," he said.

He also accused DAP of sowing the seeds of racism in the country, while denying that Umno was anti-Chinese.


Then on Monday, Zaidi submitted a letter resigning as Seberang Perai city councillor to state exco member Jason H'ng Mooi Lye - who oversees local governments - while expressing regret over his remarks.

"I would like to express my deep regret and offer an apology for the speech I delivered. I accept that this matter serves as an extremely important lesson for me that individual views and stances must be conveyed with utmost consideration, especially when one also carries responsibilities within a joint government administration system," he said.

Taking responsibility

He also said in the letter that his remarks could create negative perception or misunderstanding towards DAP, particularly in the context of cooperation in the state government.

He said he is thus resigning to take responsibility for his "mistake".

Also in his letter, Zaidi said he personally held high regard for Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

"He is a leader who constantly pays attention to the welfare of the people, prioritises tolerance, remains polite, and executes the trust of administering the state with full responsibility. As a Penangite, I am proud of and appreciate all his efforts in leading this state," he said.

He also thanked H'ng and fellow exco member Zairil Khir Johari, as well as Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, whom he said were deeply committed to public service.

H'ng, who revealed Zaidi's resignation on Facebook today, said the letter's contents prove that the DAP-led state government has served the people regardless of race or religion.