VALLETTA (Malta): ANY decision made by the Umno leadership must be respected by all party members, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Commenting on the criticism that came after the supreme council sacked Gopeng Wanita Umno chief Datuk Hamidah Osman, Zahid said members could have differing opinions, but they must abide by the leadership’s decisions.
“Differing opinions are welcome, but when a decision is made, it must be respected.
This spirit must exist at all levels of Umno — national, state, division and grassroots.
“Umno had been previously divided and it had also been banned.
(But) it remained strong after it went through conventional and unconventional ways.
“The strength and stability of Umno must be prioritised over personal agendas,” said Zahid after the closing of the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting here on Sunday.
The Umno supreme council last week sacked Hamidah following a slew of acts that were against the party.
Among them was criticising Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his leadership as prime minister, especially over his handling of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) issue.
Hamidah had said the party’s democracy had been “buried” with her sacking.
Party leaders such as Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had said freedom of speech should not be abused to the extent of going against party rules.
Zahid said Umno had welcomed different views by its past leaders, but these views should not affect party unity.
“We must ask ourselves if we have done something for the good of a political organisation or if we are right to express certain opinions.” He said past crises in Umno were solved when members and leaders closed ranks .
“In 1988, there was an Umno crisis.
But members came together to uphold the leadership despite differing opinions, which eventually led to Umno being stronger.
Whoever becomes the party leader must be supported.” Asked about seating arrangements of Umno leaders at the general assembly, Zahid said nothing would be changed as the seats were based on the party’s hierarchy.-nst
