TENGKU Razaleigh Hamzah launched a scathing attack against Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over the latter’s decision to join Perikatan Nasional’s presidential council.

Zahid was among party leaders who attended the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also PN chairman and Bersatu president, last week. 

“I am embarrassed. It is strange he accepted the offer to be in the presidential council. Umno is not part of PN in the first place,” he told reporters after a forum organised by the National Professors Council in Kajang.

Commenting further, Tengku Razaleigh said Umno allowed a few of its members to be part of the government to ensure political stability following the collapse of Pakatan Harapan government in February. 

“That is all. To ensure stability and not to be there forever,” he added.

The meeting held last week was attended by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, MCA president Dr Wee Ka Siong, Sarawak United People’s Party president Dr Sim Kui Hian and Parti Bersatu Sabah president Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili.

Also present were Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu deputy president Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Parti Rakyat Sarawak deputy president Joseph Salang Gandum, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah deputy president Arthur Joseph Kurup, Sabah Progressive Party deputy president Edward Dagul, Progressive Democratic Party senior vice-president Paul Igai, MIC secretary-general Asojan Muniyandy and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku secretary-general Guan Dee Koh Hoi. 

Tengku Razaleigh has long been calling for Umno not to continue supporting Bersatu and PN, and instead be prepared for the next general election. – December 24, 2020.