Mustapa Mohamed quits Umno

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 18 Sep 2018 8:06PM · 6 Comments

The former international trade and industry minister says he has lost faith in Umno but did not say whether he would be joining any of the parties in Pakatan Harapan. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 18, 2018.

MUSTAPA Mohamad has quit Umno saying that he has lost faith in the party and its ability to rejuvenate and win back the support of the public.

However,  the former international trade and industry minister did not say if he will be joining any of the parties that make up the Pakatan Harapan alliance.

“Based on recent developments, I am of the view that efforts to revive public trust in the party and its image among the public is becoming more difficult. There are little signs that the majority of the public comprising various races and of different faiths will return to the party,” he said in a statement today.

Mustapa’s departure leaves Umno with 50 lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat. 

Umno won 54 parliamentary seats in the 14th general election, but three MPs quit the party just weeks after the polls.

They were Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal and Bagan Serai MP Noor Azmi Ghazali

The Jeli legislator was returned to the Umno Supreme Council with the highest number of votes in the party’s polls in June.

Mustapa said he believed Umno must be inclusive and moderate but the party was not going in this direction.

“The road taken by Umno now does not align with the political principles that I hold and there is not a lot of effort in rejuvenating the party.   

“I have taken the decision to resign as Umno member after 40 years of serving the party,” Mustapa said.

Mustapa said, to remain relevant in Malaysia’s dynamic national political scenario, Umno, as the backbone of Barisan Nasional, could not solely depend on the support of the Malays and Bumiputeras.

“My political principle is that Umno should be inclusive, moderate and a party that takes the middle path,” he said.

In the last general election, Mustapa retained the Jeli parliamentary seat by 6,647 votes over PAS’ Mohamad Hamid.

Mustapa also managed to win the Air Lanas state seat with a 6,884 majority, defeating PAS’ Abdullah Ya’kub and Pakatan Harapan’s Dr Aminuddin Yaacob. – September 18, 2018.

 

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • A wise move Tok Pah. You have always been consistent. May Allah swt guide you in your future endeavours. Please join the right party to further contribute Dato Seri.

    Posted 5 years ago by Dato Seri Mohd Sabri Abdullah · Reply

  • And there's UMNO, thinking it can grab power once again by aligning with PAS...

    Posted 5 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply

  • The rakyat salute you for you have been consistent throughout your political career and holds the nation true to your faith and beliefs, please join Pakatan to make a difference. You can serve the rakyat better than to stay put in a kleptocratic Umno where cash is king.

    Posted 5 years ago by Justin Leno · Reply

  • You are a very honourable man, Tok Pah.. a true and principled statesman. Hope you can join the right party and share your wisdom for the benefit of the people and nation.

    Posted 5 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply

  • DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD, THE DESTROYER!

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • MPs may quit because of a feeling of shame for the way UmnoBN corrupted and almost destroyed Malaysia? But better you come on board to contribute in some way and assist the Pakatan govt to revive this country, because we really do need all hands on deck, including the ordinary voters, to help correct the wrongs & put things right to make Malaysia a greater nation than in its heyday. Dr. Mahathir has asked us all to come out of our "comfort zone" to pitch in to help, which mind you includes ME, as well!..

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply