Zaid Ibrahim’s KITA opts out of polls, to back Pakatan

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 — KITA, a party founded by former Umno-turned-PKR politician Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, announced today it will not be contesting in the coming polls and promised to offer its “unconditional support” to the federal opposition.

In a statement posted on its website today, the party said it had decided to reverse its earlier decision to contest in the polls as it wanted to maintain solidarity with the opposition and not jeopardise its chances.

“Whilst we disagree with some of the opposition’s policies, we believe that despite these shortcomings the opposition will not destroy racial harmony in Malaysia ... unity demands that smaller parties, such as ourselves, give way to larger political parties to ensure optimum results in the election,” it said.

The party also came out in defence of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) amid the ongoing barrage of Umno-led attacks against DAP as a “racist” party.

During the just-concluded Umno annual general meeting (AGM), delegates took turns to warn against DAP’s purported dominance in PR, claiming if the pact claims Putrajaya, the Malays would lose power to the Chinese.

Calling the accusations “dangerous and irresponsible”, KITA said the statements would only widen current divisions in society.