Let the unfaithful leave, says Umno veteran Ku Li

SM Amin SM Amin Updated 7 years ago · Published on 23 Sep 2018 11:00AM · 7 Comments

Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Tengku Hamzah says trying to convince Umno leaders who want out to stay is a waste of time. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, September 23, 2018.

TENGKU Razaleigh Tengku Hamzah is not surprised that fellow Kelantan lawmaker Mustapa Mohamed has ditched Umno.

The party’s council of advisers chairman said life outside the government is tough for those who once enjoyed power and all its trappings.

He said Jeli MP Mustapa is susceptible to offers from certain parties, but did not name them.

“Umno just lost, and these people are used to holding positions. Life is now different.

“So if there are offers or enticements, their thinking will be influenced. Whether they go over there depends on their interests.

“It has nothing to do with politics. Only personal interests,” said the Kelantan prince, better known as Ku Li, during an interview.

He was asked to comment on former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein’s meeting with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and Mustapa quitting the party.

Tengku Razaleigh said trying to convince Umno leaders who want out to stay is a waste of time.

The Gua Musang MP – the country’s longest-serving lawmaker – said those who quit Umno are helping the party “clean up” itself.

“To me, they are free to go where they want. Let it clear things in Umno. We should just let go of those who don’t have strong faith in the party.

“We can’t control everyone, put spies… it becomes a burden. If they are not loyal to the struggle, then no need to try bringing them around to our point of view.

“We are a defeated party without power anyway.”

Political analyst Shamsul Amri Baharuddin says it is possible that some leaders have left Umno so as to not jeopardise the party. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, September 23, 2018.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia political analyst Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said it is possible that some leaders left Umno due to pressure.

He said he does not discount the possibility that the departures are part of a strategy, so that the party would not be linked to investigations into certain leaders.

“We have to remember, hundreds of bank accounts have been frozen. It cannot be that they are leaving because everything is peaceful.

“Something is making them uneasy. When there is uneasiness, better take off before being called up by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, or jailed,” he said, referring to the graft-busters’ probe into Umno accounts for links to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal.

“Maybe, they have to get out of Umno so as to not jeopardise the party.”

Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa recently said Mustapa, who headed the party’s Kelantan chapter, had been investigated over funds received by the state Umno, leading to speculation that this was the reason he quit.

Mustapa, who also held a Supreme Council post, has refuted the claim, but said he will continue to assist police in their investigations. – September 23, 2018.

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Comments

  • 'Let the unfaithful leave' ........ and let the gutless like Ku Li remain.

    Posted 7 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • It is kind of awkward remembering him leaving umno, destroyed umno lama, created Semangat46, and returned to Umno again.

    Posted 7 years ago by Chean Ang Heng · Reply

  • Ku Li is a blind and clueless leader....too blind to see the trees for the forest.

    Posted 7 years ago by Azis Yusoff · Reply

  • talkingabout being faithful..? from Ku Li...??
    l rest my case

    Posted 7 years ago by Ummu Hanin · Reply

  • Look who is talking! Once upon a time, he was a deserter. How much more repsect do we have for him compared to Dr M?

    Posted 7 years ago by Yoon Fatt Ng · Reply

  • Cut the crap Ku Li & other umno leaders trying to justify the leaving of these members. Its not about faithfulness to party or pressure by PH etc.All of you know its about that THIEF who brought unbearable shame to umno and its members, ada paham?!

    Posted 7 years ago by Msian First · Reply

  • Unfaithful to UMNO - boleh pegi.
    Unfaithful to country? Ambik duit rakyat? Boleh stay?
    Absolute irrelevant musing from an utterly irrelevant, has been politIcian

    Posted 7 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply