Zahid talks of traitors as Umno assembly reveals party’s deep divide

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today issued a warning to his “opponents” within the party, saying he has never been complacent over the pressure against him despite frequently choosing to remain silent.

The Bagan Datuk MP said while he did not care about external attacks, he could not accept the actions of some whom he described as wolves in the fold.

“I am disappointed in these people who have betrayed the party from within,” he said in his policy speech at Umno’s general assembly at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

“There is no point putting my back up against the wall. I am not infallible, neither am I perfect. Everything we do must have its limits.”

While he did not mention specific names, he is believed to have been referring to the group of Umno leaders aligned with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also a party vice-president.

Zahid himself is one of the main party leaders in league with former prime minister Najib Razak, who appears to be pushing for Ismail to dissolve Parliament in order to pave the way for the 15th general election.

Ismail however has said that such calls are only coming from a small group in Umno, urging his party to respect the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the dissolution of Parliament.

In his speech today, Zahid reminded the Umno delegates about solidarity in the party’s struggle.

“Some of our friends left us while we were in difficult times, and others are with us conditionally.

“So choose friends that are truly sincere and honest. Choose friends who will be there until the end.

“Choose friends who are loyal to the party. In our struggle, there are friends, and amid our friends, there are enemies,” he said.