Umno info chief slams Sabah leaders’ reason for quitting

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno information chief Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah has rubbished the excuse given by Sabah Umno leaders for quitting the party, which was that Umno lacked direction.

He said the Umno leadership had stated what needed to be done by leaders and members at all levels, including in Sabah.

He said the call for autonomous power, as demanded by Sabah Umno, was being acted upon, with a special committee up and running.

“We cannot accept the excuse given by those who left the party that Umno lacks a clear direction.

“This is because everything has been laid out. In fact, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stated his agreement during a meeting with the Sabah Umno leadership in Kota Kinabalu previously.”

Shamsul Anuar, who is Lenggong member of parliament, said he believed the defectors had a different motive and goal.

“They are using this lack of direction as an excuse. If you truly love Umno, the issue of direction can be discussed together.

“I am confident Umno’s future in Sabah remains strong, as Umno won many seats in the state in the 14th General Election.”

He said now was the time for new, capable and credible leaders to lead Umno in Sabah.

“The appointment of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (as chief ) is the right move. We believe that the mix of new faces will strengthen the people’s confidence in Umno in Sabah.

“This gives an opportunity for Sabah Umno to recover quickly, imbued with a renewed spirit and sense of purpose.”

He said Umno was facing a massive challenge and only those who understood and embraced the spirit of Umno’s struggle would remain.

“I’d like to state that no matter how difficult it is, Umno will continue to fight for Sabah.

“To those who are still with Umno, let’s unite to win and return to power.

“This was the direction agreed upon, as announced by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the 2018 Umno general assembly.”

On Wednesday, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Nor announced his departure from the party, along with a slew of state Umno leaders.

He said the move was sparked by Umno’s lack of direction as well as constant clashes among the leadership in deciding on the party’s future.

They are using this lack of direction as an excuse. If you truly love Umno, the issue of direction can be discussed together. DATUK SHAMSUL ANUAR NASARAH Umno information chief