Division heads demand action against Muhyiddin, Mukhriz

(Bernama) – Heads of 147 Umno divisions have made a declaration of support for Najib Razak as Umno president and to continue to lead the country as prime minister.

The divisional heads signed the eight-point declaration at a closed-door meeting at Umno headquarters here on Saturday, in reaction to what they called “the Mahathir declaration” last Friday calling for Najib’s ouster.

Mohd Yusof Kassim of Batu Gajah Umno, who represented the division heads at a news conference after the meeting said the declaration was a resolution agreed upon by all Umno divisional heads present.

He read out the declaration, which contained a pledge of unequivocal support for Najib as Umno president, Barisan Nasional chairman and prime minister.

He said the Umno divisional heads also vehemently condemned the actions of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, a former Umno president and prime minister, for willingly conspiring with opposition politicians and leading the joint declaration against Najib.

“We urge the government to be firm in enforcing all provisions of the law, against any party out to jeopardise the country’s ruling system.

“We, Umno divisional heads urge the government and the Royal Malaysian Police to take firm action in preventing any street protest or illegal assembly organised by any party, especially the opposition, for the purpose of inciting the people in an attempt to oust the Prime Minister in an undemocratic way,” he said.

He said the divisional leaders also urged the government to immediately remove from the government or government-linked companies all former Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders involved in the Mahathir declaration.

The divisional heads strongly condemned the actions of certain Umno leaders, especially suspended deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir, and accused them of conspiring with the opposition to topple Najib.

“We strongly urge the Umno Supreme Council and the Disciplinary Board to take disciplinary action against Umno members involved with the Mahathir declaration,” he added.

The group also pledged to work together to maintain harmony among the people of diverse races and religions and to guide the people in their respective areas.

Subang Umno divisional head Zein Isma said all divisional heads present and absent supported the declaration, except for three divisions, namely Pagoh, Jerlun and Semporna.

Zein Isma said the one-hour meeting today was to discuss and agree upon the declaration.

Also present at the news conference were Hulu Terengganu Umno leader Jailani Johari, who is deputy communications and multimedia minister and Sri Gading chief Ab Aziz Kaprawi who is deputy transport minister.