Respect previous leaders, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: With former Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak on the receiving end of criticism from fellow party members, his successor has once again come to his defence.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday defended Najib after Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa referred to the Pekan MP as “baggage”.
He said, under Umno’s Constitution, until a person was found guilty, his or her position in the party would be maintained.
The former deputy prime minister said the courts had yet to decide on the charges against Najib.
“Meaning, he (Najib) is still the division chief and member of parliament for Pekan,” Zahid said when asked to comment on a statement made by Annuar, who had remarked that Umno could no longer waste time defending Najib.
Speaking at the Parliament lobby here, Zahid said he was of the opinion that previous leaders of Umno should be given due respect.
“Because those who are here today, will not be here without the leaders before them.
“The old loves the new and the new ones must show respect to the old.”
On leaders disagreeing with one another or having differences of opinion, he said this should be handled internally instead.
“We should not use the media or issue an open letter, especially when one is holding a high position in the party as this will be seen as an official statement.”
He said it was best for all parties to work together to rectify issues, instead of making comments and inviting various interpretation against the party.
On whether the party would take action against Titiwangsa Umno division chief Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Annuar, he said Umno did not take such an approach and would rather hold discussions.
Johari, on Wednesday, asked if it was the right strategy for the party to have Najib taking centre stage in the Sungai Kandis byelection campaign.
Zahid said: “I hope Najib does not feel hurt or upset with recent comments.
“We understand his situation and the pressure he is facing and I express my sympathy.”
He said Najib’s presence during the Sungai Kandis by-election campaign was at the invitation of Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Lokman Noor Adam.
“I checked.
“The candidate (Lokman) had arranged for Najib’s attendance. He meant well.
“If someone was wealthy before and now poor, or if they had power before and now they are powerless, we should still respect them. Even if we have differences of opinion, there are ways to handle them.”