Umno knows when to fall in line: Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s strength lies in the party’s ability to set aside differences when the time calls for it, said the party’s former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly, the Rembau MP took particular note of party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s policy speech this morning calling for reconciliation. 

This is after months of speculations of factionalism in the country’s largest and oldest political party, one supposedly led by Zahid and the other composed largely of Umno cabinet members. 

“I think the most important point in the president’s speech was his attempt to unite the party, because previously, there have been perceptions that there are factions,” he told a press conference, here, today. 

“Umno’s strength can be seen when we are united. Then, we will be a great party. 

“Today, I witnessed a speech promoting harmony, particularly among the party’s top leadership and those in the government. 

“This is a good development as we prepare ourselves for the coming general election... In Umno, we pride ourselves in discipline. Although we have our personal views, we know when to fall in line.”

Zahid’s speech earlier today appeared to have a conciliatory tone to it, reminding members of the importance of being united and not divided by factions. 

“There is no faction in Umno. If there are, there is only one, which is the Umno faction,” he said. 

The president also gave his commitment that the top leadership will support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in leading the administration while they look after the party. 

However, Zahid had also pointed to the existence of traitors within Umno attempting to cripple the party and threaten his position. 

On a separate matter, Khairy, who is also health minister, reiterated his stand that the general election should not be rushed until the public health situation is under control, in light of the high number of Covid-19 cases. 

With the country entering the endemic phase beginning in April, Khairy said it is best if any actions that could derail its efforts are put on hold. 

“This general election is among the things that we can postpone temporarily until the public health situation is stabilised,” he said. 

Khairy also thanked Zahid for understanding this, citing the president’s speech in which the latter said the prime minister will have the final say on whether to push for federal polls. – The Vibes, March 18, 2022