New party shows there was a movement to replace government, Azalina says
(Bernama) – The formation of a new political party led by former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muyiddin Yassin shows that there was an internal movement out to replace the leadership of the country last year, said .
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She said the establishment of the party has proven allegations that details of cabinet and (Umno) supreme council meetings were leaked to be true.
“Probably attempts to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak through Umno failed, so they tried to go through the opposition, but the opposition too rejected them so they now have to go with their own party,” she said.
Azalina, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister, told this to reporters after opening of Bera Umno division’s Wanita, Youth and Puteri delegates’ meetings here today.
Also present were Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also Bera Umno division chief, the division’s Wanita chief Sabariah Saidan, Youth chief, Zool Ihsan Ahmad and Puteri chief Salmiah Abdul Rahman.
Azalina added that she was not worried about the new party, as she was confident that Umno members maintained strong discipline and have their sights on the party’s victory in the coming election.
“That is his right. In a democracy anyone can set up a party, but it is up to the people if they want to support this kind of leadership … I believe the people are wise enough to judge.
“It is different today compared to 10 years ago. With sophisticated information technology people can evaluate politicians and their motives.
“The important thing is they will choose representatives who can solve their problems like from Barisan Nasional and Umno” she said.
Azalina added it had been proven that Umno splinter parties could not last for long, referring to Semangat 46 which survived from 1988 to 1996 and finally saw the leaders returning to Umno.
Two days ago, the media reported that several former Umno leaders have formed a committee in support of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who mooted the new party and Muhyiddin, was appointed as the pro tem president.
According to expelled Langkawi Wanita Umno member Anina Saadudin, former Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, son of former Kedah Mentri Besar, Akramshah Sanusi and student activist Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman were in the pro tem committee.
In Baling, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said the new party would have no impact on Umno.
The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister said Umno splinters were nothing new and none had much impact on Umno.
In George Town, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who is also Deputy Foreign Minister, said Umno would have to continue to win the hearts of the people to keep the new party at bay.
