KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 16 -- Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described the party's controversial alliance with its former adversary, DAP, as the result of "Allah's will," framing the partnership as a pragmatic necessity for political stability.

His comments come amid open criticism from within his own party, particularly from Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who recently called for Umno to withdraw from the unity government, citing violations of the party's "red lines."

In an interview with FMT held in conjunction with Umno's general assembly, Zahid dismissed this internal dissent, insisting he had a good relationship with DAP and that the party had been instrumental in Umno's recent by-election victories.

Acknowledging hi...