UMNO members are urged not to listen to the criticisms of former, disgruntled party members.

Party deputy president Mohamad Hasan said Umno members should not allow themselves to be swayed or triggered by people who speak ill of the party.

“They want to talk, we cannot stop them, but Umno is a mature party, an old party. I expect and hope that our members will make their own judgments,” said Mohamad, who is the defence minister, at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, today.

“Sometimes, the things they hurl at us are psychological warfare, and sometimes they are simply venting their frustrations. I hope Umno members will not be unsettled by what they say. 

“Let us move forward.”

He reminded Umno members that they could not afford to be divided and urged them to file their complaints through the correct party channels.

“As I mentioned in my speech at the Umno Women’s, Youth, and Puteri assemblies, we can no longer afford to be divided, we can no longer engage in factional disputes.

“Let us stop making snide remarks about one another other. If there are suggestions and views for the good of the party, use the channels within the party to discuss and to address our weaknesses.

“As a political organisation, we are not exempt from weaknesses, so if there are any constructive suggestions, channel them through the party channels,” said Mohamad.

He was commenting on the recent criticism of Umno from former party leaders Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Khairy Jamaluddin.

Yesterday Tajuddin blamed Umno’s weakened position on its leaders who had failed to carry out their duties.

The former Pasir Salak MP was suspended from Umno for six years.

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy, who was expelled at the same time for violating party rules, had said the party would be defeated in the state elections. – June 10, 2023.