KUALA LUMPUR: Umno members should only heed instructions from the party supreme council, not other individuals or groups, says Johor Umno's Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.
The Parit Sulong division deputy chief said members with differences of opinion should raise the issue through party meetings and not discuss it behind the leadership's backs.
"If there are instructions from a third party that do not come from the supreme council, do not believe it," he said when debating the Umno president's policy speech at the party's general assembly here on Friday (Sept 11).
He said the party leadership must move in the same direction, with the president, deputy president, vice-presidents and other leaders carrying out their respective roles and responsibilities.
"Even if there are grievances, forget them. If there is dissatisfaction, state it in meetings or at the assembly through respective state delegates. Do not go behind leaders' backs.
"Umno will not become weak because other parties are strong. Umno will only lose its strength when we ourselves allow it to happen," he said.
Mohd Fared also praised Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for continuing to lead the party despite the challenges and criticisms faced.
Earlier, Mohd Fared tabled eight resolutions in support of Ahmad Zahid's policy speech, including strengthening Malay political unity, upholding Islam, the Malay Rulers, Malay and bumiputra rights, the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.
The resolutions also included strengthening the Gagasan Rumah Bangsa to encourage youths to join Umno, supporting the Malaysia Biru agenda and preparing the party for the 16th General Election.
Meanwhile, Negri Sembilan Umno delegate Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa said it was high time Umno retaliated to attacks from political rivals.
Referencing the recent PKR and DAP congress, he said the parties continued to speak about Umno and its leaders.
"This is despite us being together in the federal unity government. We have practised decorum and even held back in Johor.
"We need to respond to uphold our honour," he said when debating the president's policy speech.
Isam, who is also Tampin MP, said Umno MPs would not hesitate to defend the party and Barisan when the next Dewan Rakyat sits again in October.
"We will be ready to oppose anyone who tarnishes the party and Barisan," he said.
Isam also said that Umno must be wary of those looking to exploit the party for their own benefit.
"The party then becomes just a tool to obtain positions and it can be left once all these privileges are gone.
"Umno must no longer be seen as a political transit point," he said.
