DPM: Govt could have been toppled if steps weren’t taken

Zahid accompanying with Kota Belud Umno Division Chief Datuk Tun Said Keruak being greeted by the Umno members upon arrival during the Umno meeting in Kota Belud. - NORMIMIE DIUN/The Star

KOTA BELUD: The Government could have been toppled by undemocratic means if no steps had been taken to prevent it from happening, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said he was compelled to reveal the plot involving the opposition and some “retired” leaders to put a stop to their plans.

“As Home Minister I had received accurate information about what they intended to do and put a stop to it,” he said during the opening of the Kota Belud Umno division meeting on Sunday.

“Their plan was to set up a unity government. But their real aim was to seize power through the back door,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said.

He said those involved in the plot could not wait until the 14th general election to take on the ruling Barisan Nasional through democratic means.

On Sunday, Dr Ahmad Zahid said he was confident that Malaysians would reject any attempt to undermine the government they democratically elected.

Last week, the Deputy Prime Minister had disclosed that a leading Umno figure was involved in a plot to topple the government through a no confidence vote in Parliament with the support of opposition members.

On another matter, he said Sabah’s status as Barisan Nasional’s “fixed deposit” would be “liquefied” if leaders failed to maintain a close relationship with grassroots members and the people.

“What is important is for us to take care of the people’s needs,” he said, adding that the country must never take its security for granted.