BIGGEST JOKE FROM 'BOYCOTT CHINESE' ISMAIL SABRI: ‘Umno members can & do speak out’ - Najib sycophant attack Muhyiddin

PUTRAJAYA - There may be a perception that Umno members generally keep mum and do not speak out against their leaders.

Umno members, however maintain that the party’s grassroots and its leaders, have on many occasions expressed their unhappiness through the proper platforms.

Party supreme council member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the party leadership allowed the grassroots to voice their criticisms.

“We are always free to voice out. That is why in the recent divisional meetings, you hear members criticising the president and speaking out against many issues including 1MDB,” he said.

Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had called on party members not to be afraid to express their dissatisfaction of the party leadership if it is the right thing to do.

Ismail Sabri reiterated that the party had never stopped its members from speaking up.

“But it has to be through the right channels because we want to criticise for the betterment of the party and not to give our enemies ammunition to attack us,” he added.

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob

During the recent divisional meetings, a former Langkawi Umno wanita member gained media attention following her outburst which criticised party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

While no action was taken against her for openly criticising the president, Anina Saadudin was sacked by the party when she filed a suit against Najib over the RM2.6bil donation controversy.

Bera Umno youth chief Mohd Zoolishan Ahmad said there was no issue about voicing out unhappiness and dissatisfaction through the right platform.

“We have the divisions, the supreme council, the state liaison committees and even the general assembly to speak up at. Just use the proper channel to have your voice heard,” he said.

Johor Baru Umno information chief Abu Talib Alias said there was no stopping the grassroots from making their voices heard, admitting that he too had spoken up on several issues, including 1MDB.

“The leadership understands this and has lent us their ears so that we can present our concerns,” said Abu Talib.

Wanita Umno information chief Datuk Rosni Zahari said party members were not known to remain silent, including when they were dissatisfied with the party leadership. - ANN