UMNO’S condition is critical as the party grapples with a torrent of desertions from among its elected representatives, former party president Najib Razak said.

“I admit that the present situation is critical, serious and needs a wise solution that the majority of Umno members can accept,” Najib told reporters today after a programme with fishermen at Kampung Sungai Miang jetty in Pekan.

“Whatever the formula or method, allow all parties to think of the best way.”

The week has been a trying time for the once powerful Malay nationalist party. On Wednesday, most of Umno’s MPs and assemblymen in Sabah quit the party, taking with them more than of the half of the party’s members in the state. Yesterday, six MPs in the peninsula ditched Umno.

In total, 17 MPs have left Umno since the May elections.

Party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has borne brunt of the blame, with critics from the party saying he was bereft of ideas on how to lead Umno as an opposition party.

He is also facing pressure to step down. But Zahid had said he would not let go of the post, adding that only the Umno general assembly could get rid of him.

Najib refused to comment on calls for Zahid to resign, merely stressing on the need for Umno to find a solution. 
“It is okay. We need to find the formula to solve this because it has to do with our party’s future. I believe all parties, including the president, are thinking of the best way.”

Najib, who also faced calls to resign when he was party president, said ensuring Umno’s survival was the most important thing now.  
“The goal is to keep Umno alive, all its 22,000 branches nationwide. No other party has a grassroots network with our strength.” – December 15, 2018.