UMNO president Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today reminded party members to respect all decisions made by the leadership, even if they have differing views.

He said party members should also not disclose confidential party matters, especially minutes of meetings.

“Every appointed Supreme Council member takes an oath of secrecy. The vice-presidents who will be elected should be one with the president and deputy president. Let’s not have a group within a group, a party within a party.

“The same goes for my friends in the Supreme Council. I practise a policy of appreciating differences of opinion and respect decisions taken. I give priority to the party and am not vindictive,” he said.

The deputy prime minister said this at a ceremony to introduce candidates for the posts of permanent chairman, permanent deputy chairman, vice-presidents and Supreme Council for the 2023-2026 Umno elections at the Negri Sembilan level in Seremban today.

He also urged victorious candidates in the party polls to cooperate and not to be involved in any plots to topple the current government.

“Do not conspire with the enemies within. I know there are plans behind the scenes to undermine the existing leadership. Please choose to be with me and deputy president Mohamad Hasan to strengthen the party.

“Party elections are a family affair and all are contesting to strengthen the party. Tok Mat (Mohamad) and I will accept all the winners, as they are the leaders who will be together with the party and I,” he added.

He said Umno’s decision to be part of the unity government was to consolidate the party’s position in national politics and avoid creating factions, which could affect the country’s harmony.

The vice-presidential and Supreme Council elections will be held on Saturday. – Bernama, March 13, 2023.