TOK MAT: WE WANT LOYAL, UNITED FIGHTERS
Umno needs thorough cleaning, says Negri BN chief
NEGRI Sembilan Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan claims that there were too many leaders who could be likened to “rats” in the coalition, including those who quit and jumped to another political party.
This, he said, also included Umno leaders at the division level, who took the opportunity to highlight themselves by urging other leaders to resign to protect their own weaknesses.
“When the ship wrecks, the ‘rats’ flee to save themselves.
“This is good, because we do not want these rats to exist in Umno. We want loyal and united fighters.
“We don’t need people who joined Umno for the sake of advantages and opportunities.
“Umno needs a thorough internal cleaning.
“Although we will lose a lot of members and leaders, it’s okay. At least those who remain in the party are true to Umno,” he said at his first press conference after BN lost Negri Sembilan in the 14th General Election (GE14) here yesterday.
On BN’s overall defeat, Mohamad, who is also former menteri besar, acknowledged that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s involvement in Pakatan Harapan played a major factor in attracting voters to support the coalition.
He said unpopular policies that were implemented by the previous government, as well as the rising cost of living, had a negative impact on BN.
On the people’s sentiment towards former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Mohamad, who refused to comment on the matter, said it was clear through the GE14 result.
“I can’t answer, but based on the GE14 result, it looks like that’s how people view Najib.”
Mohamad said the formula used by Umno, including cooperation in the splitting of seats among BN parties, should be reviewed to ensure that all parties were not competing only for quotas.