UMNO grassroots critical of Najib’s speech gagged, others happy Malays united
KUALA LUMPUR — While Mr Najib Razak received rousing support from party delegates who took the podium at the assembly yesterday (Dec 10), the reality on the ground was far less rosy for the embattled party president.
KUALA LUMPUR — While Mr Najib Razak received rousing support from party delegates who took the podium at the assembly yesterday (Dec 10), the reality on the ground was far less rosy for the embattled party president.
Mr Najib, also prime minister, launched the party’s annual general assembly yesterday with broadsides against his critics while defending himself against allegations of financial scandal while trumpeting his loyalty to the party and past leaders, saying he “never toppled anyone”.
At the same time, he wooed arch rival PAS – inviting the Islamist party to join forces to build a “perfect Malaysia”.
But some UMNO members The Malaysian Insider spoke to were critical of Mr Najib’s speech and ideas.
Unlike the delegates who debated yesterday, however, they were unable to voice out their views as they were warned by their division chiefs. Some spoke on condition their full names were not used.
Mr Izham of Batu UMNO Youth said UMNO was struck by a “syndrome of silence”, with members being told to either toe the line or be labelled a traitor.
“The president didn’t answer any of the issues. His criticism was only targeted at his critics,” Mr Izham told The Malaysian Insider.
“He didn’t talk about the problems affecting the Malays in detail.”
He said UMNO Youth were having a tough time facing voters over the rising cost of living, while the leaders were too preoccupied with infighting, the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal and RM2.6 billion donation.
“Unlike previous years, the assembly this year looks sombre. You can see for yourself. It’s not as festive as before. We in UMNO Youth don’t know why, maybe it’s because of the turmoil we’re facing.”
Mr Abdul Hadi Asmawi from Bagan Serai and another member who wanted to be known as Cik Ilah from Malacca poured cold water on Mr Najib’s proposed PAS-Umno tie-up.
Mr Najib said UMNO welcomed PAS in the bid to build a “perfect Malaysia” and was glad that the Islamist party was no longer part of the opposition pact Pakatan Harapan.
Mr Hadi said while joining forces would bring in votes, the likelihood of any form of cooperation between the two parties would be impossible in the first place.
“It’s hard because PAS wants power, too. Both want power.
“But if both agree (to cooperate), then okay. They can get lots of votes,” said Mr Hadi.
Cik Ilah, however, said she did not agree with the idea at all.
“I am not keen on the cooperation between UMNO and PAS. I don’t think it’s a good move.”
When asked whether she was satisfied with Mr Najib’s explanation on 1MDB, Cik Ilah said she would leave the matter to Allah.
“If he is proven to be guilty, let him be punished by Allah,” she said of Mr Najib who said yesterday his innocence would be proven regarding 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion channelled into his personal accounts.
She added that the youth still supported UMNO but have issues with the party leadership.
Mr Mohd, a Johor UMNO delegate, said he and his friends did not bother to hear the president’s speech in the main hall as they were not interested. He said they followed the speech on the screens outside the hall, even though, as delegates, they were allowed into the main hall.
“The issues raised were still not explained. On the contrary, the speech was more about attacking Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin personally,” said Mr Mohd, who declined to reveal his identity as his division chief was pro-Najib.
“Even though answers were given on the 1MDB issue, the RM2.6 billion donation, it is still unclear. But his criticism towards Muhyiddin was too harsh.” Mr Najib, opening the assembly yesterday, said the deputy president’s role was to assist the president, stressing that the president was the “main leader” of the party.
He also said leadership was not about hurling accusations at others, in reference to Muhyiddin’s speech to supporters in Kampung Baru on Monday ahead of the assembly.
But Mr Najib’s speech also received support.
Alor Melintang branch leader Abdul Malik Saad said he and his branch members were satisfied after hearing Mr Najib speak.
He said in the past, his branch members had been confused and disenchanted with the infighting and “started believing in the propaganda” against the president.
“So my branch officials and I decided to rent a bus and bring them all down for this one day to listen to the president himself explain these issues.
“And when they heard it from the president, their minds were put at ease. Now they are clear about the issues. They doubted me when I explained to them but with the president, they believed him.”
Mr Malik said he hoped Mr Muhyiddin would accept Mr Najib’s explanation and not speak against the president in public.
He said they also “really liked” Mr Najib’s proposal to work with PAS, saying it was sincere and matched Mr Hadi’s sincerity in wanting to advise the government.
Mr Malik noted that the majority of PAS lawmakers did not vote against the Budget 2016 and had stopped attacking Barisan Nasional in Parliament.
“We have to unite for the race.
“I also feel sorry for PAS as they seem to be bullied by the opposition. The MP for my area is from PKR but he rarely visits our area and people from PAS.”
Mr Ibrahim Lajim, a Piket 60 branch member from Sungai Besar, Selangor, said he only wanted the UMNO leadership to be united, as it would keep the grassroots motivated to work and serve the party.
He said any party would have differences in opinion among its leaders, but such matters should be settled internally.
Like Mr Malik, Mr Ibrahim welcomed the cooperation between PAS and Umno to unite the Malays.
“Now the community has split into even more factions. At first, UMNO leaders split from us and formed PKR. “Now PAS is splitting up and members are forming another party. If the community splits into more camps, our grandchildren will suffer,” said the 66-year-old. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER