KUALA LUMPUR – Call the elections soon or watch Umno withdraw from the Perikatan Nasional administration, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in an ultimatum to the ruling coalition.
The president, in his winding-up speech at the Umno General Assembly 2020 this evening, said the resolution has been adopted by the party, but he gave no timeline as to when Umno leaders serving in Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration must pull out.
“Delegates have given me the mandate to withdraw at any time if they (PN) do not indicate a willingness to call elections soon.”
There is a possibility of PN maxing out its term before calling the 15th general election, he said.
“If we withdraw based on the party’s decision, the Supreme Council, especially those who are ministers, deputy ministers and GLC chairmen, as well as MPs, will adhere 100% to the directive.
“They will not hesitate to resign as ministers, deputy ministers and GLC chairmen to abide by the party’s decision.”
Zahid took a swipe at an Umno minister whom he deemed a turncoat, and called for his resignation.
Though he did not mention a name, it is believed that he meant Federal Territories Minister and former Barisan Nasional secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
“We must understand that if we are (appointed) ministers, it is because of the party.
“If there are those among them who are too excited about staying in air-conditioned rooms with comfortable seats, they must realise why they are there.
“This includes the one who is a minister, who is not on this stage, but stabs Umno from behind. If he is a real man, he should resign as minister.”
Meanwhile, Umno No. 2 Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan suggested that the party’s withdrawal from PN could be in August.
“If we agree to pull out in the eighth month (of the year), we will withdraw (from PN) then.
“What is the use of being an elephant in the jungle if a single branch can’t be broken?” he said in his winding-up speech before Zahid’s.
“But, whatever we do, we must think ahead.
“In any of our calculations, the bottom line is that Umno must profit.
“We cannot compromise in any form or situation.”
It is believed that August was stated as it is when the state of emergency declared to contain Covid-19 is due to end.
At a press conference later, Zahid said details on the timeline will be discussed by the Supreme Council. – The Vibes, March 28, 2021
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