Shahrir: Those who quit have no right to call for president’s head
JOHOR BARU: Umno veteran Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad yesterday criticised the actions of former party leaders who demand the resignation of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as president even though they are no longer members.
The Johor Baru Umno chief said as former members, they had no right to make such a demand as Zahid was elected by the party.
“Go ahead if you want to quit. But those who have betrayed us are saying that if the president remains in his post, more will quit the party. It is not their place to say these things.
“Do not try to create a distraction by accusing others of disobedience when it is you (those who quit) who are disobedient.”
He was commenting on claims that more members would leave Umno if Zahid did not step down.
He said he did not understand the reason behind the mounting pressure on Zahid to resign when the Umno president was following only the needs of grassroots leaders.
“When he was the acting president, he advised the party to create an alliance with other parties, but Umno rejected it.
“Umno Youth even said the party should not take the backdoor approach to get power, but continue to be a credible opposition. This, too, was adhered to by Zahid.
“It is those who quit who took the backdoor approach. They are the ones who disobeyed their leaders.”