KUALA LUMPUR, February 1 – UMNO President, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi explained that the decision he made in the leadership of UMNO was aimed at saving the party from parties that became a thorn in the flesh or scissors in the fold. Ahmad Zahid said, he welcomes any difference of opinion, however, he will never compromise if there is any party that touches on the party’s integrity. He said, as an individual entrusted to lead the party, he cannot allow any attack that could affect the party.
“Attacks don’t just come from outside, we know the enemy outside and we also know the enemy inside. (Action) Throwing stones hiding the hand is a lot but I have to be kind to everyone about this matter, but as someone entrusted to lead the party, do I want to let that happen? The party must be saved, the party must not have scissors in the folds or thorns in the flesh. What if garbage gets into the eyes? We open our eyes even if it hurts, close our eyes even if it hurts, we have to throw away the garbage to protect our eyes so that our vision is clear.
“That is called ‘political clarity’ (party clarity) that should be done, (but) I do not accuse or mean anyone, I celebrate differences of opinion, please speak but when the integrity of the party is touched I cannot compromise on this matter,” he said during the program The Talk Room titled ‘Prosperous Country Rural Prosperity’ on Bernama TV channel on Tuesday.
Last Friday, a meeting of the Supreme Working Council decided to sack two leaders, the former Selangor UMNO Chairman, Tan Sri Noh Omar and the former UMNO Youth Leader, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar. In addition, the meeting also decided that several other leaders including Sembrong Member of Parliament who is also former Vice President, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and former Information Chief, Shahril Sufian Hamdan were suspended from membership for six years.
In the meantime, Ahmad Zahid who is also Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament said, as a party leader, he cannot take it for granted, stand in shock and assume that all parties will support him. He explained that if there is criticism either from outside or within the party, the leader needs to accept it and deal with it as best as possible. “If you’re worried about being hit by waves, don’t build a house by the beach, in fact, the tie pole must be strong even if the tsunami comes, that’s what we have to apply in our minds.
“We as leaders should have (thoughts) in our minds, how many people support us, that is also the number of people who don’t like us, meaning there must be checks and balances in that matter. “Don’t be a shock leader yourself, saying everyone supports or doesn’t support us. I think criticism from outside and inside must be accepted and dealt with as best as possible,” he said.
