KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is mulling action against those who went against the party during the 15th General Election, a move that has drawn support from some members.
Party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has indicated that action may be taken against these party members, who he said had betrayed the party right from the start of the elections.
At this stage, the floor responded “buang saja lah” (sack them), to which he replied:
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“Just wait, God willing, this will be acted upon soon.”
“(This will be done) with the blessing of delegates who give the disciplinary body the mandate to act,” he said in his presidential address at the opening of the Umno general assembly yesterday.
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Vice-president Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin later said that the president’s warning to party members was reasonable and would strengthen Umno.
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He said with Umno not as strong and stable as before, the priority would be on unity and cooperation among party members.
However, he added, the process of “party cleansing” must not be made hastily to ensure justice for everyone.
Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin was in full support of action against party members who committed treachery against the party.
He said these members had contested under the Barisan Nasional ticket and Umno.
All smiles: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan with other party leaders and Wanita Umno members taking a group photograph after the flag-raising ceremony — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
“It is unacceptable that after using all the resources and benefits of the party, they go against the party. Such acts must not be tolerated,” he said.
Melaka Umno chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the party had rules and regulations that members must follow.
“If you cross the line and keep repeating your mistakes despite warnings, then expect action to be taken against you,” he said.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the disciplinary action to be taken was not vindictive but was meant to reconcile the party.
He said discipline was needed to get every member to be on the same boat.
“It cannot be vindictive because the president had forgiven party members (who signed statutory declarations supporting Perikatan Nasional) earlier.”
However, Ayer Hitam Umno chief Datuk Samsol Bari Jamali felt that after the election defeat, the party should make attempts to heal itself.
“A lot has come out of GE15. We should find ways to mend all wounds. We should grow the party and not shrink it (by sacking members).
“We rely on the wisdom of the Umno leadership to handle this delicate situation,” he said.
Another Umno member, who declined to be named, said that taking action against the dissidents may not go down well as these individuals have supporters and friends in the party.
“Removing them may bring backlash. Those around them may also withdraw their support for Umno.
“Perhaps the party can find a better way to deal with this situation. Umno cannot afford to be split,” he added.
Political analyst Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir backed the decision to cleanse Umno of traitors who would only bring down the party.
He called for stern actions to be taken against them, including dismissal from the party.
“Action should be taken against those who are against the party, such as leaders who helped the Opposition (during the last general election), including being dismissed from the party.
“How can they go against the flow and not be on the same page with the leadership? A party cannot fight with their opponents when they have a silent enemy.
“They will weaken their own party and strengthen their opponents,” he said when contacted.
Jeniri said the Umno disciplinary board should impose strict action against traitors to send a clear message to others.
“The move to cleanse the party is good; we should not keep termites in our house, and they should be vanished immediately.
“If not, they will ‘eat’ the party from inside, and it will slow down the party from moving forward,” he added.
