Leave now or face action, says Johari Ghani

 

Johari Ghani says no individual, no matter who he is and what position he occupies in Umno and government, is more important than the party itself.

PETALING JAYA: Umno Supreme Council member Johari Ghani today urged the party to take firm disciplinary action against members who continue to defy its decisions in the wake of the constitutional, health and economic plight facing the nation.

Acting on the mandate of the general assembly, the party’s Supreme Council had on Tuesday resolved to withdraw its support for Umno MPs sitting in prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration.

“Umno has provided clear justification for withdrawing support for the PN government,” the former second finance minister told FMT.

“We cannot condone the disrespect shown towards the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and we cannot be a part of this government’s abject failure in managing the Covid-19 crisis,” Johari said.

Abiding by the party’s decision, 14 MPs have to date withdrawn their support for Muhyiddin’s government, although several others, including members who occupy prominent positions, have yet to comply.

“The time has come for those still in government to show that they will comply and prove their loyalty to the party,” Johari insisted.

Pointing to Article 20.8(b) of the party’s constitution which stipulates that all members must follow party orders, Johari cautioned the party against practicing double standards.

“No individual, no matter who he is and what position he occupies in the party and government, is more important than the party itself,” Johari said.

“As leaders, we are accountable to three million members across the country who expect us to take a consistent stand against members who disobey party orders irrespective of who they are,” Johari added.

With cases and death incidences reaching record levels yesterday and the rakyat and businesses suffering due to mismanagement of the pandemic, Umno can no longer associate itself with this failed government, he warned.

Johari also renewed his call for a new interim prime minister to be appointed to help the country achieve herd immunity via vaccination in the quickest possible time.

“Once that is achieved, the country can hold elections to resolve the present political impasse,” he said.

In the meantime, the appointee must do his utmost to restore investor confidence and alleviate the burdens faced by the rakyat and SME businesses.

“He must also show utmost respect for the nation’s institutions, especially the constitutional monarchy and Parliament,” Johari said.

Johari also said that Umno needed to be consistent in the management of its affairs.

“We cannot allow our members to use the party to further their personal interests or to resolve their personal problems,” he added. - FMT