KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday expressed disappointment over the resignation of party leaders.
He said theirs was no exemplary laudable move, especially at a time when the party was being severely tested.
Party members should be sincere and have the fighting spirit in ensuring the continuity of the party struggle, he said in a statement.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
“Deserting Umno when it is being tested is not an admirable and exemplary attitude.
“Islam teaches us to be loyal as long as we do not violate the law,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid’s statement comes in the wake of the resignation from the party of supreme council members Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who is the MP for Jeli, Kelantan, and Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, the MP for Kimanis, Sabah, on Tuesday and yesterday, respectively.
The Umno president said whatever the reason, they should not have resigned as they were elected by the people based on their trust in Umno.
“Citing the party’s weakness for their personal agenda is something improper,” he said.
He said that after the 14th general election in May, Umno had undertaken various efforts to restore the people’s confidence in the party struggle and to enable it to rise again.
In Seremban, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also expressed disappointment over the resignation of Mustapa and Anifah whom he described as respected, capable and proven leaders.
“Their service to Umno and the country cannot be denied and we are most thankful to them. They have decided to leave Umno.
“I feel it is a decision that has been difficult for all of us. The Umno leadership, especially the Supreme Council, is most concerned over the development,” he said in a statement.
Mohamad acknowledged that over the past four months, the process of restoring the party and setting its direction had been gradual and not radical as anticipated by all.
“This matter will be given serious attention and emphasis to ensure that Umno does not look like a party without any direction. I believe there is an urgent need for a recovery agenda.
“I hope all leaders and members will continue to give their full support to the party,” he said. — Bernama