KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is facing a new political landscape with increasing "abnormalities" which are becoming normalised, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In his policy speech at the Umno general assembly, the Umno president said politics today no longer follow familiar patterns, with former allies turning into adversaries and cooperation shaped by convenience rather than principles.
"We are now facing the abnormality of politics. Those who were once friends have become enemies.
"Some will stab you from the front while others stab you from the back," he told Umno delegates at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here on Friday (Jan 16).
Citing the recent Sabah polls as an example, Ahmad Zahid said Umno decided to oppose Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) but some of its members were willing to share a stage with them.
"In the end, when it came to forming the government, everyone sat at the same table in the name of political stability. That is the reality of politics today," he said.
He said this could happen more often in the future, with cooperation at federal level not necessarily reflected at state levels and vice versa.
"What is agreed in Putrajaya may not be mirrored in the states, because politics today is filled with abnormality," he said.
Ahmad Zahid added that Umno must accept this reality as it prepares for the 16th General Election, urging members to remain united and disciplined.
"This is the political reality we must face. As we move towards the GE16, we must be ready to confront whatever political abnormalities that emerge," he said.
Ahmad Zahid reminded party members not to place personal interests above the Umno's.
"Do not think of your own interests. Our priority is Umno as a party.
"In abnormal politics, only a party that is disciplined, united and clear in its struggle will survive," he said.
