UMNO’S Kuala Selangor division chief has called on the party’s leaders and members not to fight openly and give Pakatan Harapan the opportunity to bring the party down.

Its chief, Noorazley Yahya, said that as an established party, differences and disagreements must be handled wisely.

“Differences in opinion are a blessing and should be celebrated but do not let misunderstandings benefit our opponents.

“We should do the best we can, and negative feelings should not be discussed openly,” he said at the Kuala Selangor Umno Youth delegation meeting today.

He also touched on the views of party leaders concerning the appointment of Najib Razak as chairman of Barisan Nasional’s advisory board, as well as Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s offer to Malay parties to join his.

Among leaders who had disputed Najib’s appointment were two Umno MPs – Nazri Abdul Aziz and Khairy Jamaluddin – who said they were unhappy with the “step back”.

Khairy and Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein had earlier called on party members to view Dr Mahathir’s offer in a positive light.

Noorazley also told the meeting that Umno Youth should cultivate an culture of intellectualism to deal with the defamation and propaganda of the Pakatan Harapan government.

“Be a legitimate opposition and always be knowledgeable, so that we can counter the slander and propaganda from the government of today.

“When we are knowledgeable, then we can be brave enough to face challenges,” he said, calling on members to continue restoring the people’s trust in Umno.

Noorazley also said Squad Sabil, a voluntary body set up by Umno Youth, would carry out social welfare activities.

He said the organisation would help disaster-stricken communities and maintain the safety and well-being of leaders and participants at large gatherings.

This, he said, would be a role similarly carried out by PAS’ voluntary Charity Unit.

“Not only do they register membership, but will be given proper training from qualified coaches.

“To help the people, we need to know how to manage crises,” he told The Malaysian Insight.– July 13, 2019.