Quit now, Ku Li tells ministers as Umno assembly turns into Bersatu-bashing

The Umno general assembly is expected to move a motion urging all those from the party holding posts in the Cabinet as well as in government-linked companies to resign.

Umno adviser Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said the Umno ministers should resign today, saying it would send a message to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin that he no longer has the majority to rule.

“How can he insist he has the majority when our people are withdrawing? All this while, he has had our support. If our people withdraw… and stop supporting the Perikatan Nasional (PN) leadership, I think they will just collapse,” Razaleigh, or Ku Li, told reporters in response to the presidential address today.

It is understood that an urgent motion could be tabled at the Umno general assembly today, calling on Umno ministers and deputy ministers to quit the Cabinet.

Ku Li said it was only right for them to resign, adding that any decision to cut ties with PN meant that Umno would have nothing to do with the government.

“They are supposed to withdraw if they follow the party decision.”

In his speech today, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that the decision to cut ties with the PN government reflected grassroots’ sentiments, repeating his allegations that Muhyiddin’s Bersatu had relegated Umno to playing second fiddle.

The decision was made in February during a Supreme Council meeting, with Zahid seeking the mandate from delegates at the general assembly.

But party leaders earlier said that Umno would still remain in the government until the dissolution of Parliament to make way for the 15th general election.

Ku Li has been against Umno joining hands with Bersatu, led by Muhyiddin, a view promoted by Zahid and former leader Najib Razak.

Both have warmed up to overtures from PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim for an alliance.

The duo had also supported Anwar in his failed bid to topple Muhyiddin last year, in a letter to the palace in October.

Umno has the lion’s share of ministerial posts in the current administration, including the critical portfolios of defence and health, which are leading the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Umno’s Khairy Jamaluddin is also currently the face of the government’s massive Covid-19 vaccination drive.

Even if Umno members quit the Cabinet, MalaysiaNow understands that Muhyiddin’s government will not be affected as the state of emergency is still in place.