Zahid warns Umno members against 'party within party'

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday reminded party members to respect the decisions made by the leadership even if they have different opinions.

He also said that party members should not disclose confidential party matters, especially the minutes of meetings.

"Every appointed Supreme Council member takes an oath of secrecy. The vice-presidents who will be elected should be together with the president and deputy president. Let’s not have a group within a group, a party within a party.

"The same goes for my friends in the Supreme Council. I practise a policy of appreciating differences of opinion and respecting decisions made. I give priority to the party and am not vindictive," he said.

The deputy prime minister said this at a ceremony to introduce the candidates for the posts of permanent chairman, permanent deputy chairman, vice-presidents and Supreme Council members for the Umno election 2023-2026 at the Negeri Sembilan level in Seremban.
 
He also urged victorious candidates to cooperate and not to be involved in plots to topple the current government.

"Do not conspire with the enemies within. I know there are plans behind the scenes to undermine the existing leadership. 

"Please choose to be with me and Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan to strengthen the party.

"These elections are a family affair and all are contesting to strengthen the party. Tok Mat (Mohamad) and I will accept all the winners, as they are the leaders who will be together with me and the party," he added.

He said Umno's decision to join the government was to consolidate its position in national politics and avoid creating factions which could affect the country’s harmony.