CONTROVERSIAL UMNO Youth leader Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has warned the Unity Government’s component parties against undermining his party, cautioning that the relationship within the government may be reviewed.
His remarks come amid persistent rumors that Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, might leave UMNO to join Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
He said UMNO is not a party to be disrespected or treated lightly.
“UMNO is not a party that can be kicked around at will. We have our dignity.
“If there are ‘friends’ in the government itself who cannot respect UMNO and BN by recruiting members from their allies, then we should reassess this relationship,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Muhamad Akmal also recalled a similar situation during the PN government, where there were attempts by certain parties to attract UMNO members.
“Previously, during the PN government, some parties were busy trying to steal UMNO members. If the same happens this time, our stance needs to be firmer,” he asserted.
Recently rumors were circulated about UMNO Supreme Council (MKT) member Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz who may be joining PKR.
However, UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi clarified that Tengku Zafrul has not applied to leave UMNO or expressed such intentions.
A news portal reported ongoing negotiations about his potential move, with a decision anticipated soon.
To re cap, Tengku Zafrul joined UMNO’s Kota Raja Division in January 2023 and became a Supreme Council member in February 2023.
He said he will give an explanation with regards to these rumours. —Dec 15, 2024
Main image: Sinar Harian
