Rebel Umno leaders set up panel to boost bid to oust Najib

Coalition of Umno Branch Chiefs Malaysia chief Kamarul Azman Habibur Rahman says the movement does not want outsiders to take advantage of its work to remove the party president. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, January 23, 2016.

Taking the fight against Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the next level, the Coalition of Umno Branch Chiefs Malaysia (GKCM) has set up a committee and even appointed state representatives.

This transformation from an ad hoc movement to a more structured organisation was to prevent outsiders from sabotaging its mission, GKCM chief Kamarul Azman Habibur Rahman told The Malaysian Insider.

“GKCM decided to set up a central committee to administer GKCM and ensure it is stronger and more organised.

“We don’t want any outsiders taking advantage of GKCM’s progress.”

He said the group was still committed to pressuring Najib to step down and they were advising other Umno members on the importance of fighting with sincerity rather than for money.

“I’m really proud that the GKCM committee and all members are fighting in the name of truth, and are not afraid to speak out.

“Our struggle is not about money, contracts or positions. We want to educate Malaysians to reject the twisted practices flourishing in Umno of late.”

Setting up the GKCM committee involved establishing several positions in the group, from chairman to state committee members, he said.

Kamarul Azman, a Telok Kemang leader who was punished by Umno’s disciplinary board along with eight others last year, was appointed chairman of the central committee, while Datuk Mohd Zin, also from Telok Kemang, was made deputy chairman.

Three vice-chairmen, two secretaries, a treasurer, information chief and several state committee members were also appointed to GKCM’s central committee.

Rushdan Mohamed, one of the vice-chairmen, said the committee would decide on any programmes or activities to prevent sabotage.

He said GKCM has so far travelled to Johor and Penang and the reception from the party members has been positive.

“The reception has been good, many Umno grassroots are with us in GKCM.

“In fact, the initiative to form this committee came from our meetings and discussions with the Umno members we met each time we went to meet with branch leaders.”

He said the group was funded by donations from various Umno grassroots who supported its cause, and denied being sponsored by an individual in the party who wished to see Najib toppled.

“We are not sponsored by anyone, our funds come from donations and contributions from grassroots who are with us on this cause.”

The group is now mulling whether to register with the Registrar of Societies.

GKCM was first set up in November last year to pressure Najib to step down over his alleged financial scandals and the controversial decisions he made, including removing Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal from the Cabinet.

- TMI