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UMNO destined for ruins if members all ‘yes men’, ousted minister says

HULU SELANGOR — UMNO will face destruction if its members fear to speak the truth and choose only to be “yes men” to ensure their own political survival, vice-president Shafie Apdal said today (Aug 1) in an apparent swipe at party president Najib Razak.

Former Malaysian Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal. Photo: The Malaysian Insider

Former Malaysian Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal. Photo: The Malaysian Insider

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HULU SELANGOR — UMNO will face destruction if its members fear to speak the truth and choose only to be “yes men” to ensure their own political survival, vice-president Shafie Apdal said today (Aug 1) in an apparent swipe at party president Najib Razak.

Speaking at an UMNO divisional meeting here, days after his own criticism of Mr Najib saw him axed from the federal Cabinet, the former minister suggested that UMNO had steered off course in its fight to elevate the economic status of the Malays.

The party, he added, has not adequately addressed “bread and butter” issues facing the community.

The Sabah UMNO leader also insisted that his criticism of Mr Najib was only done out of love for a party he has stood by for more than 30 years, which he said is now weighed down by a massive leadership crisis.

“You have to speak the truth. In the struggle, you cannot fear speaking the truth, and if you continue to hold on to the belief that we are in this for the people, then inshaAllah, we will not be rejected.

“For this party that I love, I pledge here before you that I will continue to fight for this party… but is it wrong for me to advice? We cannot all be ‘yes men’. We cannot have this… it will weaken us,” Mr Shafie said in his opening speech at the Hulu Selangor UMNO wings divisional meeting here.

Mr Shafie and Mr Muhyiddin Yassin were among the most notable UMNO casualties in Mr Najib’s Cabinet reshuffle announced on Tuesday.

Mr Najib said it was one of the toughest decisions he had to make but insisted that it was the right move as he needed a “united” Cabinet behind him. Both Mr Shafie and Mr Muhyiddin have been critical of Mr Najib’s continued silence on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) financial fiasco.

Without mentioning Mr Najib’s name, Mr Shafie listed the many controversies linked to the prime minister like the controversial Goods and Services Tax, the plunging share prices of Felda Global Ventures Bhd and the purchase of a company by the Federal Land Development Authority seen close to the Mr Najib and the 1MDB saga.

“Too many issues. This and that. These are all bread and butter issues that must be addressed,” he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Mr Shafie insisted that his criticism should be taken positively as it is intended to strengthen UMNO and confidence towards the government.

“I will remain loyal, who says I won’t be loyal, but what is the harm in advising. It is only meant to strengthen the party and confidence towards the government,” he said.

Mr Shafie dismissed suggestions that he would launch a revolt against Mr Najib, and gave his assurance that he would remain loyal to the party agenda.

The former minister also said the issues plaguing the administration must be resolved if UMNO wants to survive in the 14th general election, which he noted could be the party’s toughest challenge.

He then reminded the party leaders of their duty to serve the people, which he said is the only way for UMNO to remain relevant. MALAY MAIL ONLINE

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