KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had some fighting words today, slamming critics who alleged that the party is losing its relevance.
In a Facebook post today, he said the detractors are “daydreaming, assuming the impossible and nonsensical”.
“Umno, on the other hand, is like a big tree that is waiting to bear fruit again. Although it almost collapsed after being hit by a ‘storm’, its roots remain intact and strong.
“The Umno ‘tree’ remains firmly rooted, providing ‘shade’ to all under its care.”
He reiterated that Umno has never set aside the rights of non-Malays, despite its formation that came from “tears and sacrifices” of the Malays.
“Umno has in decades navigated the country, and we will return to fight in the next general election. It is our practice to (make decisions) collectively, not divisively.
“Serumpun bak serai, sesusun bak sireh.” (Proverb meaning: “Living must be mutually consensual and not divisive.”)
Zahid has been under fire after his 14-day ultimatum on Monday to the Perikatan Nasional government to convene Parliament, failing which, Umno will call a Supreme Council meeting to discuss its next step.
In a statement, he said the Barisan Nasional lynchpin fully supports the Agong and Conference of Rulers’ decrees on a parliamentary sitting.
The government’s failure to heed the decrees is considered a form of rebellion and disrespect to the institution of the Malay rulers, he added.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan defended Zahid last night, saying it was his president’s style that major decisions be made collectively.
Ahmad Maslan shared on his social media channels that Zahid’s 14-day ultimatum was a collective decision made by Umno’s political bureau.
He added that only one of the bureau’s 26 members did not attend the virtual meeting last Sunday.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid was not feeling well, he said.
Ahmad Maslan’s supportive words came after former Perlis Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim’s criticism of Zahid.
“What is he (Zahid) going to do if Parliament is unable to convene after 14 days?”
In a press conference today, Shahidan said: “The rakyat are the ones asking for Parliament to sit soon, not Umno’s political bureau (issuing ultimatums instead).” – The Vibes, June 23, 2021
