Are more Umno MPs defecting to Pakatan Harapan?

KUALA LUMPUR — United Malays National Organisation (Umno) stalwarts believe Pakatan Harapan is wooing more of their party colleagues and a growing number are pointing at one of their own, Mr Hishammuddin Hussein, as the “broker” in the defections.

Pertubuhan Nadi Rakyat Malaysia (Nadi Rakyat) president Rafi Awang Kechik and former Bandar Tun Razak Umno secretary Zaharin Mohd Yasin are among party activists openly castigating Mr Hishammuddin over what they see as efforts to weaken Umno.

Mr Rafi told The Malaysian Insight Hishammuddin is widely believed to have met Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad after the 14th general election to broker a deal for the defection of several Umno leaders to Bersatu.

Many believe the former Umno vice-president is still talking with Bersatu leaders.

“We may not have proof, but if we study his statements, it appears that the discussions are still going on,” said Mr Rafi.

Early last month, Mr Hishammuddin said Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament (MPs) would back the prime minister should a faction in Pakatan Harapan call for a vote of no-confidence in the government of Dr Mahathir.

Mr Rafi said if Mr Hishammuddin and other Umno leaders wish to leave, they should just leave without taking others with them.

“If they want out, just get out. Don’t ruin the party. Everyone knows he (Hishammuddin) has big dreams. I am not attacking him personally, it’s just that his behaviour is offensive to the eye.”

Sembrong Umno Youth chief Hafiz Ariffin, however, rubbished the rumours of another exodus as well as Mr Hishammuddin’s alleged treachery.

“Many have accused Hisham of being a traitor and a broker but that’s just their cynical perception.

“The truth is after Umno lost in  GE14, many MPs went to see him, whom they regard as an old friend, to talk about the party’s future – what Umno is going to do and how it is going to do it.

“The MPs could not expect any help from the federal government. There were many problems, such as the party’s accounts getting suspended, which made it hard for them to work.”

Mr Hafiz said many lawmakers were demotivated and wanted to leave Umno, but Mr Hishammuddin actually “convinced them to stay”, especially after the party president decided to step aside temporarily.

Kuala Krau MP Ismail Mohamed Said said Mr Hishammuddin played a vital role in boosting party morale even though he did not hold an official position in Umno.

“Enough of trying to cause in-fighting. There is no Bagan Datuk team, Rantau team or even Sembrong team.

“Not once has he asked us to leave Umno. In fact, we were told to stay, and that includes our friends in Sabah who are now in Bersatu.” THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT