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UMNO: The Beginning of the End?

Sep 19, 2018

Two respected UMNO leaders have left the party, and the party president is not pleased. 

Image: The Star-Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi

In a statement,  UMNO’s top man Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi slammed Jeli MP Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Kimanis MP Datuk Seri Anifah Aman for abandoning the party.

Image: Reuters-Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed 

Image: The Star -Datuk Seri Anifah Aman 

He says this is because they won their parliamentary seats on an UMNO ticket.

Zahid also questioned the veteran leaders’ timing, saying their resignation in a season of testing for the party, is not a good example.

It’s possible he’s worried about more exits. 

Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin has hinted that more UMNO leaders are on their way out. 

But UMNO Supreme Council Member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican has rubbished this, saying the party remains strong. 

Image: Sinar Harian -Datuk Seri Reezal Merican

"We are intact, and there's no reason for a mass exodus as many assume," he assured. 

"I think this is sensational news for now, but give it time, and it will settle down."

In any event, the resignations of Tok Pa and Anifah are a huge blow to UMNO

Political analyst Dr Samsur Rijal Yahya blames the exits on UMNO’s loss of direction.

Image: @Samsur Rijal Yahaya FB Page

"(The exits) are because UMNO were not aware that they needed to clean up (within the party)".

"Up till today, the grassroot members don't see any change in UMNO."

"It looks like UMNO has lost its way," Dr Samsur adds. 

Meanwhile, Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin has hinted that the resignations were sparked by talk of UMNO's alliance with PAS.

But any such possible alliance, is too late, says Dr Samsur. 

"PAS and UMNO should have cooperated before GE14," he explains. 

"A marriage now will only shine a light on their weaknesses, rather than their strengths. Now, such an alliance won't benefit anybody."

Talk of such a cooperation heated up, after Zahid attended the PAS annual congress in Terengganu last week.