DPM ORDERS FACTIONS TO PATCH UP
Infighting in Umno can cost party GE14, says Zahid
ENOUGH with the infighting; patch up and focus on winning the 14th general election (GE14), or risk losing again. That was the message, loud and clear, from Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to warring factions in Sungai Petani Umno, ahead of GE14.
The deputy prime minister surprised the division delegates when he called Pantai Merdeka assemblyman Datuk Ali Yahaya up on stage at the Umno Kulim/Bandar Baharu division meeting here.
He told Ali and division chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Saad to hold hands and hug each other to end their dispute, as the delegates stood and cheered the duo on with thunderous applause.
“Both men are my old friends and I know very well that both of them are good men. Both of them (may) have a place in the general election.
“But if both of them hold grudges, and refuse to patch up or make peace, neither will stand a chance (to be fielded as BN candidates),” he said, as the delegates shouted in support.
It was an open secret that Rahim and Ali had been on bad terms after the latter lost his Sungai Petani Umno division chief post to Rahim in 2013.
Earlier, Zahid told delegates that Umno and BN could not afford to be defeated in the Sungai Petani parliamentary seat and its two state seats, Sidam and Bakar Arang, for the third time.
“The simple reason for losing the seats in the previous two general elections was internal fighting. If we are united, the opposition will not stand a chance.”
Zahid said, based on information he received, PKR’s Sungai Petani member of parliament Datuk Johari Abdul hardly appeared in the constituency to serve the people, but still retained the seat in the 2013 General Election.
“It was not because he enjoyed the full support of voters here... he retained the seat because there was fighting among Umno leaders,” he said, adding that his mission at the delegates meeting was to unite the factions.
Zahid urged members to rally behind Datuk Seri Najib Razak and support his efforts in nation building.
He said Najib had implemented transformation initiatives in various fields to take the country to greater heights.
“However, all the good he has done for the country and her people has been denied by the opposition.
“As such, we should not leave the prime minister to fight his battle alone.
“We must rally behind him and stand with him in whatever he does for the good of the people, including Umno members nationwide.”