Rep admits internal discord in Umno Kinabatangan
KUALA LUMPUR: Resolving internal crises no matter how minor will make Umno stronger, Barisan Nasional (BN) Sukau assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman said.
The Umno Batu Putih branch chief admitted that there was some internal friction within Umno Kinabatangan and steps would be taken to reduce it.
Speaking to reporters at the Umno general assembly here, Saddi said party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, when addressing the delegates, advised them to reduce internal friction.
“The president stressed that he wanted zero friction between the party leaders. If it was me leading, I will ensure that all the divisions are stable and strong,” he said.
“If we can resolve matters in not only my division but that of others too, we will be able to increase our strength and win in the 14th general election,” he stressed.
Saddi was also of the opinion that the just concluded general assembly was different from those held in the past.
This, he said, showed that the party had recovered from its leadership crisis caused by a few former Umno leaders, including a statesman, who were friends but were now foes of the party.
“Judging by the number of delegates attending the assembly this time, it gives a positive impact to the party as we head towards the 14th general election. I am confident that the huge turnout shows that we Umno members are united again,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the resolution that the party president and deputy president’s posts be uncontested, Saddi said it was the right decision to avoid any confrontation that could cause division before the party election next year.
“I am confident that this will be the party’s strength as we no longer have to think about the leadership issue in the coming Umno election,” he said.
Umno Kudat chief Datuk Bolkiah Ismail also welcomed the resolution for the party’s top two posts to be uncontested in the next party election.
The Pitas assemblyman said he fully supported the proposal as both posts were important and could determine Umno and BN’s ‘halatuju’ as they head towards the 14th general election.
He also supported the call by Umno Sabah Youth for new faces and younger to be fielded in the coming election.
“Without new leadership to succeed the senior leaders, we will not be able enjoy the benefit of their constructive ideas in the administration of our beloved country,” he said.