KUALA LUMPUR: As soon as the word of an emergency meeting called by Umno circulated, the Menara Dato Onn lobby at the World Trade Centre (WTC) KL was quickly packed with members of the media.
Umno leaders began to descend one by one as they headed to the 39th floor of the party headquarters to discuss what was described in the message as “a pertinent issue for the sake of the party’s future”.
Among those spotted at the meeting were Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, party supreme council member Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin and former Terengganu mentri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said.
Also seen were Kinabatangan Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Johor Baru Umno chief Datuk Shahrir Samad, Umno Titiwangsa division chief Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
As Bung Mokhtar made his way out at about 2.30pm, the press gathered around him to ask what the meeting had been about.
However, he only had this to say: “We just discussed current issues.”
A while later, Melaka state exco member Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh was literally swamped by reporters, but he, too, remained evasive.
“We discussed other matters. I have another meeting,” he said as he moved away.
Asked if matters involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak were discussed, Ab Rauf merely said he did not discuss the matter.
Seeing the flurry of questions from the media, Ahmad Said and Wan Rosdy hurriedly left the headquarters.
At about 5.30pm, trays of cut fruits and curry puffs were wheeled into the lift, believed to be for Umno leaders who were still at the meeting.
However, at about 6pm, Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos returned to the lobby. He said the meeting had ended and there was nothing to say.
“I only came back to take some things,” he said.
As at 8.30pm, there were still members of the media waiting at the lobby.
