IPOH: The defections from Umno are part of a 'political chess' game among Pakatan Harapan parties to stake a claim on the Prime Minister's post, claims the Perak Umno chief.
Datuk Saarani Mohammad alleged, "Regardless of what reasons they gave, this is 'political chess' between the parties in Pakatan Harapan.
"They are trying to gain as many chairs in Parliament to ensure they get hold of the Prime Minister's position."
He also assured that Perak Umno will not see any more MPs and assemblymen fleeing the party.
Six Umno MPs announced their resignations on Friday (Dec 14), while five MPs, two senators and nine assemblymen from Sabah Umno left the party on Wednesday (Dec 12).
He added that Perak Umno will still support Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi despite calls for him to resign as party president.
"It is not fair to ask him to resign while his court cases are being investigated.
"Umno members should not be pointing fingers, but should show support for Ahmad Zahid instead," said Saarani at a press conference at the Perak Umno building in Ipoh on Sunday (Dec 16).
Zahid is the MP for the seat of Bagan Datuk in Perak.
However, Perak Umno is concerned over the spate of defections, said Saarani.
Among the MPs who have defected from Umno is the MP for Larut, Perak, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
"After Hamzah announced he is quitting the party, we went to Larut to meet Umno members there.
"They have assured us that only Hamzah is leaving the party," claimed Saarani.
