Zahid insists Umno not linked to communists

Communist Party of China secretary-general Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (right) stand together after a news conference in Putrajaya November 11, 2009. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — Umno vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today rejected the claim that Umno had links with communists.

He said in its history, Umno had never linked itself with the communist movement nor believed in the communist ideology.

“What’s the proof? In the party’s history, Umno has been anti-Communist Party of Malaya. Don’t create ridiculous stories,” he said when asked to comment on a report in news portal Free Malaysia Today, which claimed that Umno had established links with communists.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also defence minister, was met by reporters after opening the Indian Progressive Front (IPF) annual general assembly in Seri Kembangan, near here, on behalf of the prime minister.

The Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) had yesterday deemed the statement by the chief assistant director E2 (M) of the Bukit Aman social extremist threat division, Datuk Mohd Sofian Md Makinuddin as Umno and BN’s psychological warfare.

Mohd Sofian was reported to have said that the terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiah, was trying to infiltrate PAS and communist elements, the DAP. — Bernama