UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he welcomes differences of opinion in the party, but he will not compromise on anyone questioning the party’s integrity.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said he placed great importance on party unity.

“I welcome differences of opinion, go ahead and air them but I will not compromise when (they) touch on party integrity. Party unity is important.

“The leadership must have the same mindset and conscience. This may be difficult to understand, but not difficult for me to implement,” he said last night.

Zahid said there must never be hidden enemies within the party.

“Attacks do not only come from outside, we know those enemies. However, we also know those who ‘baling batu sembunyi tangan’,” he said, referring to the Malay proverb that describes a person who doesn’t want to be responsible for his actions.

“I have to give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to this. As someone who has been entrusted to lead the largest party representing the Malays and Islam, do I want to see this situation fester?

“I have to strive further, and it’s not because I am with hate, there is not even a molecule of hatred towards any individual, but the party must be saved,” Zahid said. – Bernama, February 1, 2023.