KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has made a strident call for an internal purge on the first day of the party’s general assembly, which kicked off today with a special briefing to delegates.
According to several party figures who spoke to reporters after Zahid’s closed-door speech here today, the former deputy prime minister mentioned the need to eliminate “traitorous” personalities.
Delegates also told media members that Zahid had read out a list of ten constituencies where Umno leaders had allegedly backed Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to be prime minister, following an inconclusive 15th general election (GE15).
According to Umno veteran and Titiwangsa MP, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Zahid stressed on the importance of ridding the party of disloyal members who have shown their true stripes.
“(Zahid) does not want any betrayals in the party.
“Currently, whenever there are elections, party leaders from Umno (can be seen) supporting other parties,” he lamented.
Similarly, Terengganu Umno chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said stressed that the party needs to “cleanse” as it gears up to face upcoming state polls after suffering a crushing defeat during GE15.
“For the sake of Umno, we believe that unity is needed,” the former Terengganu menteri besar said, taking the cue from Zahid.
“We must cleanse the party because some members sabotaged us during GE15, for reasons of their own.”
He added that Zahid had called for Umno to present a united front in determining its direction.
Meanwhile, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said that Zahid lauded the cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) and spurred them on to do well in the upcoming state polls on the basis of being partners in the unity government.
“(Zahid) underlined that the strengths of BN and PH provide a new formula for the nation’s politics.
“The benefits of both parties in the unity government will offer the people something that is superior to other parties,” he said.
Previously, it was reported that Zahid will be taking a stricter approach against members of the BN linchpin who tarnish the party’s image.
Six states – Kedah, Penang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan – are expected to hold their elections by the middle of the year.
The Umno general assembly takes place from today until Saturday at the World Trade Centre here. – The Vibes, January 11, 2023
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