KUALA LUMPUR – The Umno leadership is correct in its latest reported action to eventually withdraw support for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government as it is only carrying out the mandate given by delegates at the recent annual general assembly in March, a party analyst has contended.
Any alternative move by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would only be seen as betraying the party, he said.
Umno veteran Datuk Seri Kamal Amir said it is hence perplexing that some detractors from the party are criticising Zahid for making such a plan, despite him having full authority to decide on a withdrawal date.
This comes as the president is said to have been preparing a move to sever ties with the ruling coalition, the latest being collecting signatures of Supreme Council members amid simmering opposition from several MPs with ministerial positions.
It is believed that Zahid has obtained the backing of at least 30 of the 47 members of the party’s highest decision-making body over the last few days.
Umno MPs not aligned to him, meanwhile, are said to have conducted a secret meeting on Friday night, as tension between the party and the ruling PN government comes to a head.
Previously on June 21, Zahid had issued an ultimatum to PN to reconvene Parliament in 14 days – which, taking into account the announcement date itself, ends today – or Umno would discuss its next course of action.
Speaking to The Vibes, Kamal, who is Federal Territories Umno Veterans information chief, said the Supreme Council must respect and fulfil the mandate of the Umno annual meet made in March, as per the party constitution.
Clause 8.3 of the Umno constitution stipulates that it is the duty of the general assembly to decide the party’s policies, while Clause 20.8 says all Umno members must carry out these policies and respect the decisions or face disciplinary action.
“Zahid had initially wanted to pull support in January after the majority of party divisions gave their blessings. But he decided to take the matter to the Supreme Council, which then decided that it would be discussed at the general assembly.
“Now the assembly has given its approval, so by right it should have been implemented. Zahid is only referring the matter to the Supreme Council out of respect for endorsement, but the decision has already been made,” he said.
Do not decide quietly, says Tajuddin
Party election director Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who is among Zahid’s detractors, said any decision on the date of withdrawal from PN should be made collectively by the Supreme Council in a meeting.
He specifically criticised Zahid’s attempt at collecting signatures from the council in a secretive manner.
If there is any proposal, table it in a Supreme Council meeting. It must be discussed and all views must be heard. How can you be doing things in a hush-hush manner? It’s not the right way.
“Yes, the general assembly has made a decision, but in implementing it, it cannot be done alone. The mandate is not for the president alone, but the Supreme Council as a whole,” he said.
In disapproving attempts to pull out from the government during the pandemic period, Tajuddin however dismissed notions that the party may split in the coming months due to increased tension.
He said it is normal for differences of opinion to transpire among leaders of a political party, but stressed that all members will unite when the time calls for it, namely, ahead of the election.
“Whatever the situation is today, if we want to see Umno back in power one day, we must win (the election). As the director of election, I want to stay focused on this, and be allowed time to prepare.
“But we don’t want Parliament to dissolve and elections be called now. If it does, we will lose focus. At the moment, we need to focus on how to help the people and the government in addressing the pandemic situation.”
Meanwhile, Kamal said the actions taken by some Umno leaders today appear as though they are not in support of the decision to leave PN, which was made by members in the party’s annual assembly.
“If they disapprove, then they are not Umno members. The assembly’s decision is the highest decision. It cannot be challenged, even by the president.”
Separately, he said there is likely to be a Supreme Council meeting called in the next few days, but did not confirm on a date, although Tajuddin said he has not received any such notice so far. – The Vibes, July 4, 2021
