TUARAN: Umno members are urged to strengthen their solidarity in the face of a new threat by a new political party being registered by a few former Umno leaders led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Tuaran Umno divisional chief Datuk Seri Hj Hajiji Hj Noor stated that if before Umno had to face only the opposition, it now also has to face a new challenge ‘from within’ through the ex-members.
“Not that we fear them, we do not, but in politics you never take your enemies lightly,” he said when speaking at the simultaneous opening of meeting of Umno Tuaran’s three wings – the Wanita, Youth and Puteri.
Hajiji who is also Sabah Umno treasurer, added that the new party formed by these former members would fail, without naming them.
“This is not the first time that we are facing a splinter party. The last one also failed and their leaders are now back in the Umno fold,” he pointed out, adding that in addition, the opposition in general are now in a state of disarray.
“These leaders were singing praises for Umno and BN when they were in the government. Now they are ‘sleeping’ with the enemy. Can you trust these people?” he asked, to thunderous applause from the big crowd.
“These people are now living comfortable lives because of Umno. Now suddenly Umno no good?” he again asked.
Muhyiddin is the president of the new party called Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia while former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is chairman.
Meanwhile, Hajiji who is also Minister of Local Government and Housing, praised the three party wings for their efforts and contributions to the party.
“I am standing here today because of the sacrifices made by the Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri members. I owe this much to them,” he stated, likening the wings to three legs of a chair, with the party proper being the fourth leg.
Hajiji’s speech was preceded by those of the leaders of the three wings, namely Jamaliah Antalib (Wanita), Jasni Hj Daya (Youth) and Effaridun Datuk Ismail (Puteri).
Present were Umno Tuaran vice-chief Kassim Razali and divisional secretary Johari Saiman.
Sabah Umno Wanita was represented at the meeting by Juriah Pelasin, the Youth by Pengiran Indra Pg Tinggal, and Puteri by Dahlia Mohd Zain.