KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has vehemently denied having a conversation with his PKR counterpart, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, following his party’s annual general assembly late last month.
In a statement today, Zahid described an audio clip purportedly of the pair in conversation as “disgusting political manoeuvring” that proves there are ongoing attempts to weaken Umno.
“I am extremely disappointed and shocked by the dissemination of the audio (clip) supposedly of me and Anwar.”
“I believe more despicable games like this will happen to destroy the party.
“As a president, I will never violate or turn my back on the resolution that has been passed by Umno’s Supreme Council and general assembly.”
The former deputy prime minister said he has ordered his officer to immediately lodge a police report on the matter, to identify the mastermind behind the “scheme”.
In the recording, “Zahid” purportedly told “Anwar” that his winding-up speech at the Umno assembly on March 28 was only “tactical”, an apparent reference to his remarks that there will be “no Anwar, no DAP and no Bersatu”, and Umno will head into the next general election only with Barisan Nasional.
“Anwar” is then heard saying it is okay, adding that there is still work to be done with Umno’s Supreme Council – probably referring to convincing it to work with PKR.
The voice resembling Anwar’s said it would be good if one of Umno’s ministers resigned from the Perikatan Nasional cabinet, but noted that none has the courage to do so. “Zahid” replied by calling Umno ministers “cowards”.
The Umno No. 1 also touched on a speech by the party’s Perlis chairman, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, whom he said was jeered at several times during his speech at the Umno assembly for speaking out against the motion to sever ties with PN.
“Zahid” and “Anwar” are also heard exchanging pleasantries, with the latter saying it was his first time following the Umno assembly in full in the last 22 years, and describing the former’s speech as good.
The opposition leader also seemed to congratulate “Zahid”, saying he was proud of the latter over the speech given, to which “Zahid” indicated that it was Anwar who taught him. – The Vibes, April 7, 2021
