DAP MP Howard Lee has penned an emotional reflection following a rare joint visit by DAP parliamentarians to the UMNO headquarters at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur earlier this week.
The event, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was a special briefing and dialogue on the national TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) agenda.
A surreal but historic moment
Howard, who is also a member of the National TVET Council, said while it wasn’t his first time entering UMNO’s “power centre”, seeing the entire DAP delegation sit down for dinner with Zahid was surreal.
This scene was rare, even borderline surreal,” he wrote in a Facebook post, describing the atmosphere at the heart of UMNO’s base.
Praise for Zahid’s leadership
But beyond the moment itself, what struck Howard more was Zahid’s leadership style.
He described it as “consistently warm and delicate,” with a hands-on approach he had personally observed during their work in the council.
He always listens patiently, explains thoroughly, and adjusts his tone and logic to match the audience’s level of understanding,” Howard wrote.
He also praised Zahid’s command of policy frameworks, data, and implementation strategies, adding that Zahid showed genuine openness and sincerity that went beyond formal duty.
Trusted with new party role
During the session, DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke appointed Howard to lead and coordinate the party’s work in the TVET space, a move he said he was deeply honoured and humbled by.
Howard also used the post to stress the importance of TVET in shaping Malaysia’s future.
TVET is not just a tool for economic growth, but a key to helping youth secure high-income, high-skill jobs. It’s a common path for all races in Malaysia towards shared prosperity,” he said.
Unity government must do more than govern
The MP noted that while the meeting was focused on TVET, it also involved honest political discussions about governance and future cooperation between DAP and UMNO.
“It was a rare moment where political reality met national responsibility,” he said.
He ended the note with a hopeful message, saying TVET should be the bridge to a better Malaysia — “one that is beyond race, beyond party lines, and focused only on moving the nation forward.”
