Grassroots in high spirits despite Zahid's troubles, says Umno leader

Zaim Ibrahim Zaim Ibrahim Updated 7 years ago · Published on 23 Oct 2018 6:54PM · 7 Comments

Umno No. 1 Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (centre) faces 45 charges of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering involving more than RM114 million. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, October 23, 2018.

THE prosecution of Umno No. 1 Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s will not affect the loyalty of grassroots towards the party, said Umno leaders.

Nor would the departure of several top leaders dent morale among the rank and file or cause them to follow suit, they said.

While reeling from the recent allegations surrounding their leader, they said, the members continued to do their duties to the party and activities were still ongoing to engage with the Malay community.
 
Newly elected president Zahid was charged with 45 counts for criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering involving RM114.15 million last week

Kuala Lumpur Umno Youth chief Mohd Nizam Abdullah said: “I visited many divisions before (Zahid was charged) and many were engaged in activities over the weekend. I have not seen any noticeable difference after the president was charged in court last week.

“Spirits are still high.”

Some 200 members had showed up in court to offer moral support to their beleagured leader on Friday.

“People say that Umno members need to be paid to turn up for events but last Friday’s rally showed otherwise. They were willing to stand in the hot sun without payment or food to show their support.”

However, other leaders were concerned that the younger party members’ enthusiasm was showing signs of waning. 

“Grassroots programmes are still going on and rural members are still firmly behind the party but younger members seem to be less supportive,” said Kuala Pilah Umno youth chief Mohd Suffian Maradzi.

Pokok Sena division leader Noran Zamini Jamaluddin said many Umno members believe that Zahid’s prosecution was politically motivated and aimed at crippling the party.

“Our grassroots are still strong and they seem ready to do battle with other parties once more. Prosecuting the president has not deflated the members’ spirits,” said Noran after a visit to several divisions in Johor recently.

In fact, Zahid’s court troubles have had the opposite effect, Bukit Gantang information chief Ahmad Saidi Mohd Daud said.

He said the party spirit has been reinvigorated by recent events.

“When they see Umno’s leaders persecuted, they begin to question the legal process under the Pakatan Harapan government,” said Saidi.

“We have visited all the branches and haven’t seen any members quitting the party either.”

Nevertheless, Zahid’s trials have put Umno at the crossroads.

Deputy party president Mohammad Hassan has brought up the party SOP for leaders who are charged with criminal offences, while the Umno president’s advisory council has said it will meet soon to decide on Zahid’s fate in the party leadership.

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who chairs the council, said Zahid should take leave pending the conclusion of the court case.

Noran said members at the division would mostly welcome Hassan taking over from Zahid.

“The majority of our members are positive about Hassan taking over Zahid’s duties for now,” said Noran

Although party programmes had been hampered by the shortage of funds, he said activities were still ongoing, albeit on a smaller scale. – October 23, 2018.

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Comments

  • Thats right junior, keep telling yourself that!

    Posted 7 years ago by Dayang Fazrina Abang Yasir · Reply

  • Yes the members have high spirits, thats all, the cash has been spirited away by their leaders. Members have been brainwashed that their leaders can do no wrong. And if they did its for Malay and Islam for which means even murder is fine with them. Foolish.

    Posted 7 years ago by Alphonz Jayaraman · Reply

  • If CORRUPTION n MURDER is fine with ISLAM then UMNO is on the Track so are UMNO Leaders

    Posted 7 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply

  • Indeed there is a good reason to be elated now that the waste is finally being passed out after a long time constipation. Thanks to Pakatan.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • For u are a 1 born losses 2 Brainless clowns 3 Stupid Fools 4 Scumbags 5 Morons 6 dumshit 7 son of a Bastard 8 RIP.

    Posted 7 years ago by Danial Abdullah · Reply

  • Wow, some 200 members had showed up last Friday to stand in the hot sun without payment or food to show their support for Zahid, out of 4,000,000 members and this is considered strong support?

    Posted 7 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply

  • Politically motivated?! You dont understand the law kah? He is corrupted la, curi duit la.. Now he has to go to jail. Kalau tak tahu apa nak cakap, diam saja la.. selain Dari politically motivated tak tahu perkataan lain!

    Posted 7 years ago by TTs Take · Reply