KUALA LUMPUR – Following a gag order issued by Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Padang Rengas MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has told his partymate to “go to hell”.
“This is 2021 and Umno is not a communist party. And, I always speak for myself,” said the fiery Nazri last night.
He added that other party members can only “speak for themselves”.
The gag order states that only three people – president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Ahmad – can speak on behalf of the party.
It also said that personal opinions should not complicate matters between Umno members, and that public spats would only invite negative news reports that would not benefit Umno.
“Don’t entertain the media incitement that aims to sensationalise stories. We are not responsible to them,” Ahmad reportedly told Nazri.
This comes after Nazri recently slammed Zahid’s leadership, saying it was becoming clear that the president does not enjoy support from Umno members or have the credibility to lead the party and Barisan Nasional (BN).
Nazri also said BN’s chances of winning the next general election would be affected if Zahid continues to head BN and Umno.
He suggested Zahid step aside to allow someone else to lead Umno and BN.
Zahid is currently embroiled in another controversy after an audio clip, allegedly of him and opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was leaked two days ago.
In the clip, “Zahid” was heard saying his winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly on March 28 was only “tactical”, apparently in reference to his remarks that there would be “no Anwar, no DAP and no Bersatu” as Umno heads 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.
In the conversation, “Anwar” said it would be good if one of Umno’s ministers resigned from the Perikatan Nasional cabinet, but noted that no one has the courage to do so. “Zahid” replied by calling Umno ministers “cowards”.
The opposition leader also seemed to congratulate “Zahid”, saying he was proud of the latter over the speech given, to which “Zahid” said it was Anwar who taught him.
Soon after, Zahid released a denial – describing the audio clip 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 lodge a police report on the matter to identify the mastermind behind the “scheme”.
Yesterday, Anwar reiterated that he did not speak to Zahid after the Umno general assembly.
Anwar said a police report will also be lodged by his officers today.
“With regard to this specific audio, I can categorically say that it is not an authentic conversation between Zahid and I.
“That is my prerogative and my responsibility to address issues and come to a common understanding. But if people don’t want to talk to me, that is also their prerogative.” – The Vibes, April 9, 2021
