KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi needs to explain to the grassroots on the alleged issue of cooperation with DAP-Pakatan Harapan (PH) during the party president's policy speech at the UMNO General Assembly (PAU) at the end of this month.

Acting Jeli UMNO Division Chief, Datuk Aziz Derashid stressed that it will dispel various speculations spread on social media on the issue.

He explained that it may also answer questions that arise regarding the pictures of Ahmad Zahid's closeness with PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim some time ago.

He said the explanation would dispel all allegations that there was a relationship that violated the party's policy of 'No DAP, No Anwar'.

"So, we want to ask the president to be honest and give a clear picture of the situation.

“So, we ask the president not to cause problems among members," he said when contacted on Saturday.

Anwar had previously revealed that there had been informal discussions between the two parties apart from admitting that the initial discussions involving the leadership of both parties had shown positive developments.

However, Anwar explained, it was too early to say that there was an agreement or understanding between UMNO and PKR.

Prior to this, Ahmad Zahid had stated that he could not stop any UMNO Member of Parliament who wanted to support PKR.

Meanwhile, Aziz said, almost all UMNO divisions throughout the country are preparing their respective constituencies to face the 15th General Election (GE15).

He said, it is Ahmad Zahid's job to determine the direction of the party's victory in GE15.

Earlier, UMNO Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan announced that PAU 2020 is scheduled to take place on March 27 and 28.

He said the decision was made by the party's Supreme Working Council (MKT) and it would take place in a combination of face-to-face and virtual gatherings.