‘Treasonous to withdraw Umno from unity govt before term ends’

KUALA LUMPUR – Whoever helms Umno after the party’s internal election, which is due by May next year, has been warned against performing any undesired manoeuvres that could jeopardise the unity government desired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

This was the message from a senior Umno member, who spoke to The Vibes on strict condition of anonymity, to prospective leaders, reminding them of the party’s vow to defend the royal institution come what may and not to commit derhaka (treason).

His comment comes amid rumours of a separate camp within Umno attempting to gain control of the party via its coming election, which could ultimately accord them the power to decide the direction of the party and Barisan Nasional (BN).

There have been concerns that should a new president be elected to replace Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, he might possibly pull BN out of the unity government led by Pakatan Harapan (PH).

It has been reported previously that several BN MPs have objected to cooperating with the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led PH, while many party members are also understood to be discontented with this arrangement.

However, as of the time of writing, The Vibes has not been able to independently confirm if there will indeed be other leaders vying for the presidency.

For the record, the anti-hopping law, in its present state, does not prevent an entire party from shifting their allegiances.

Speaking to The Vibes, the Umno veteran said whatever happens in the party election, it must remain in the government as a sign of respect to the king and the other Malay rulers.

“In our electoral system, if a single dominant party can obtain a simple majority, then, of course, the Agong won’t interfere. But in a situation where no party is able to form the government, then His Majesty has to step in,” he said.

“The king will appoint a prime minister who, in his view, has the support of the majority of MPs. 

“In this case, it is Anwar leading a unity government. Umno should heed this decision, because one of the principles of our struggle is to defend the institution of the Malay rulers.

“It will be treasonous of Umno if, in the event a new leadership takes power, it pulls BN out of the unity government. Umno is supposed to defend the Malay rulers, and this must be maintained.”

In Umno’s constitution, Clause 3, which touches on the party’s foundations and purposes, specifically mentions among its provisions that it will support the principles of the federal constitution, including defending the interests of the Malay rulers.

Commenting further, the Umno leader also reminded the party not to be arrogant like Perikatan Nasional (PN), but said he is confident whoever leads the political outfit will not emulate the actions of PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

This is in reference to Muhyiddin’s remark on November 22 when, after an audience with the Agong, he told the press that he had objected to His Majesty’s proposal for the unity government with PH while maintaining his earlier claim that he has the support of enough MPs to be prime minister. –  The Vibes, December 2, 2022