Have confidence in party leadership, says embattled Zahid

PETALING JAYA:  Umno members should remain calm and continue to place their confidence in the party leaders, says party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in reaction to the resignation of two prominent leaders.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the actions of Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Datuk Seri Anifah Aman was regrettable.

"Umno members must have sincere and strong fighting spirit to ensure the continuity of the party's struggles.

"Leaving the party at a time (when) Umno is being tested isn't a characteristic that can be praised or made an example of.

"Islam has taught us to be loyal (taat) as long as we do no wrong," said Dr Ahmad Zahid in a statement on Wednesday.

He added that whatever reasons given by the two leaders were unreasonable (tidak wajar), especially when they were elected as lawmakers based  on the trust Umno placed on them.

"The excuse of the party being weak due to personal agenda is something that is unreasonable," said Dr Ahmad Zahid.

He urged Umno members at all levels to be calm, have an open heart and continue to place their confidence on the party leaders to handle the situation.

As the Umno president, the Bagan Datuk MP said he took the political developments in the country in a serious manner.

"I hope this issue will not weaken or cripple Umno. Umno needs party loyalists to continue to live.

"Let those who are loyal to the struggles of the party remain in Umno. With that, the party and all plans will be administered in a better way," he added.

On Tuesday, Mustapa announced that he is quitting Umno after more than 40 years of service to the party.

On Wednesday, a source close to Anifah confirmed his resignation.