Tuan Ibrahim said he was “puzzled” by Umno’s display of solidarity for Najib, the nationalist party’s beloved leader.
“After firmly declaring their intention to gather in support of Najib, Umno abruptly announced their pulling out of the solidarity rally less than four hours after the former prime minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their support,” he said.
The Kubang Kerian MP also claimed that Umno’s decision came after DAP voiced dissatisfaction with its plan.
“This move clearly reinforces the perception that Umno is merely a loyal follower, bowing to DAP’s every whim,” he said.
He said if Umno wishes to dispel this perception, it should take part in the rally and stand in solidarity with Najib as a symbol of their loyalty to the king, rather than succumbing to DAP’s “minor grumblings”.
Tuan Ibrahim questioned whether Umno’s leaders, “comfortably” in their ministerial positions, have abandoned the party’s members and dignity.
“If this is the case, I extend my sympathy to Najib, who has undoubtedly contributed greatly to Umno and its members,” he said.
Last Tuesday, DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng hit out at Umno for joining hands with PAS to hold the rally, saying it would raise doubts about Umno’s sincerity in being a partner in the unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, however, urged Lim not to undermine the government’s allies and said there was no need to cause friction among the coalition’s members.
Yesterday, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that the party was ditching plans to join the rally planned for Monday.
Asyraf said the party acknowledged Istana Negara’s statement, which reiterated the king’s constitutional power to grant pardons for offences committed within the federal territories.
He said Umno would abide by the king’s call to respect the royal prerogative on pardons and the established procedures.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain also urged the public not to take part in any rallies in light of the statement by Istana Negara.
Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin, however, stressed that the party’s commitment to seeking justice for Najib remains unwavering.
“This will be pursued constitutionally and in line with the legal process,” he said in a statement.
He also criticised “some political parties” for using Najib’s pardon process to advance their own interests, describing such “seasonal displays of solidarity” as “highly nauseating”.
“If race and religion can be reduced to political fodder by these groups, then Najib’s case is no exception,” he said. - FMT
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