Unhealthy culture creeping in Umno could affect party, says Mohamad

SEREMBAN: An "unhealthy culture" is emerging in Umno with banners being put up in some places calling for the party president to step down, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

In expressing his concerns, the Umno deputy president said he was also saddened as offensive words were used to ask Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to make way, adding that it did not mirror the party's culture and values.

"In fact, this does not reflect the morals of Muslims and Malays. We should never be disrespectful to the institution of the president but always treat it with courtesy and good manners," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 26).

Mohamad said although members were free to have differing views or aspirations as Umno was a democratic institution, it should not lead to a dispute which could divide the party.

He urged all members to remain united as the opposition would take advantage of any disputes among them.

"The cracks will only get deeper.

"We should never allow anyone to pit us against one another until it breeds animosity among us. This will not benefit the party in anyway," he said, adding that the loser would be Umno and the Malays.

Mohamad added that party members should manage disagreements wisely and on the basis of friendship.

"We should work to strengthen Umno through a commitment to promote Malaysia, the Malays, Islam and democracy.

"Umno should be respected as the true spokesman for all Malaysians and not be seen as a party going after power and positions," he said.

On Monday (Jan 25), Perak Umno Youth came out in support of Ahmad Zahid after several leaders called for his resignation, saying that the focus should be on helping the people during the current difficulties following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prior to this, an Umno division chief and youth chiefs of two divisions openly called upon Ahmad Zahid to step down.

They said his “weak leadership” had caused havoc among members.

Paya Besar division chief Datuk Ahmad Tajuddin Sulaiman cited unclear direction and weak determination in the party’s top leadership as the reasons affecting the courage and fighting spirit of the 3.6 million Umno members.

He said Ahmad Zahid’s resignation was necessary as crises at Umno’s top leadership, especially the supreme council and MPs, had dragged on without any solution in sight.

Pontian Youth chief Mohd Helmi Buang said Umno needed new leaders to avoid the defeat in the last general election from repeating in GE15, a call which was supported by Seremban Umno.

Its youth chief Zool Amali Hussin claimed some grassroots members wanted Ahmad Zahid to “rest” and allow others to lead.