KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that there are “traitors” within Umno who have launched attacks against him in an attempt to cripple the party.
During his policy speech at the Umno general assembly today, Zahid expressed his disappointment over these attacks from within that arose because these quarters wished for the party’s elections to be held before the 15th general election (GE).
“I may appear quiet and tolerant, but that doesn’t mean I am unaware (of the situation),” he stressed.
“Don’t test me too much. Stop trying to push me against the wall. I am not infallible, neither am I perfect. Everything has a limit!
“I don’t pay attention to attacks from outside because I am used to it. But I am disappointed with the attacks and the traitors in the party who are betraying us from within.”
Speculation has been rife that there are certain quarters within the party who want the Umno polls to be expedited as they want a new leadership slate to helm the party ahead of the looming GE.
Zahid alluded that he had identified the said traitors, but that he would give them the benefit of the doubt as his top priority is the unity of the party.
“The spirit of partisanship and loyalty override everything. Let’s forget it all. What is important is that we are united to face GE,” he said.
In response to these alleged attacks, Zahid said that Umno had fixed its internal elections, in accordance with the Registrar of Societies, to be held before December 29 this year.
He then pointed out that 186 of the party’s 190 divisions had agreed for the party’s elections to be held after GE.
“It has always been the tradition for Umno to have the party election after GE. Is it wise to change the tradition?
“Let’s not put on shoes before putting on our socks,” he said.
In this regard, the Bagan Datuk MP said those who want to run for top party positions, including his post, can do so in this year’s party elections.
“Anyone can contest. If Tok Mat (Datuk Mohamad Hasan) is brave enough to contest for my post, then do it.
“Anyone who is brave enough to go against Tok Mat for his deputy president position, go ahead.
“We are not afraid. But it doesn’t involve money. That’s a bad culture.” – The Vibes, March 18, 2022
