KUALA LUMPUR – Umno supporting Bersatu is to save Islam, Malays and Bumiputeras from Pakatan Harapan, especially DAP, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Umno vice-president, addressing delegates in Bera, Pahang, at a division meeting yesterday, said this does not mean party members want to join Bersatu.
“Don’t worry about them ‘buying’ our members, because those who can be bought do not deserve to be in Umno. Umno needs ‘warriors’ who are not easily swayed by money, not those who willingly sell their dignity.
“Our struggle is for religion, race and country, so I welcome those who remain loyal and are willing to work hard to ensure Umno will be back in power.”
The Bera MP urged party members not to let emotions be the main factor in their “fight”, as this will affect efforts to win every seat in the next general election.
“Do not fear or care about what others are doing, but think about what we need to do to win the general election. We will continue our cooperation with MCA, MIC and PAS, except DAP and PKR.”
He reiterated that Bera Umno will not support moves by certain parties to secure the Barisan Nasional lynchpin’s support for PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP.
For the past few months, speculation has been rife that several Umno MPs will throw their support behind PKR to topple Prime Minister and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s government.
Ismail Sabri added that Umno should always maintain ties with the youth.
“Umno wings should always engage with the younger generation. If we fail to do so, they will move to other parties.
“Malays must stay united, and Malay-based parties should avoid clashes that can split the Malay vote.”
His speech was also published by party organ Umno Online.
Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, in a Facebook post, accused Bersatu of nicking members of his party.
“For the past few months, there have been many complaints from and anxiety among Umno members and grassroots leaders, accusing Bersatu of encouraging (recruiters) to ‘steal’ and ‘buy’ members from Umno.
“Some have admitted to joining Bersatu after being paid up to RM100, and every branch set up would get between RM3,000 and RM5,000.”
He urged for a stop to efforts to “steal” and “buy” members if the Umno-Bersatu cooperation in Perikatan Nasional is to be maintained.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Gazette reported Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan as saying Asyraf should apologise and withdraw his comments immediately, or face legal action. – The Vibes, January 3, 2021
