Umno leader says double 'frog' standard reveals croaks of anxiety

Umno leaders have continued to assail the opposition for criticising former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib's return to Umno.

Party supreme council member Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the label “frog” emerged when Muhammad left the opposition and returned to Umno.

However, Shamsul Annuar (photo) said, the label did not arise when the former menteri besar, who is better known as Mat Taib, left Umno to join PAS and later, PKR.

“This shows their (opposition leaders’) concern for their party, since many have left. Now Muhammad himself has returned to Umno and will undoubtedly use his experience with the opposition coalition to strengthen and provide a new spirit to the Selangor Umno leadership.

“I view the statements of opposition leaders, including that of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and the numerous accusations against Umno, as a reflection of their concern for the healthy developments in Umno,” Shamsul Annuar was quoted as saying by Umno Online.

Fellow Umno supreme council member Sohaimi Shahadan noted how certain opposition leaders belittled Muhammad as an “old newspaper”.

On the contrary, Sohaimi said, Umno regarded Mat Taib as an “old book” with a treasure trove of knowledge.

The real 'old newspaper'

“An old book, even with its covers worn out, the contents remain useful. It can be used for reference.

“This is the same with Mat Taib, who despite being a veteran, will help Umno wrest back Selangor with his vast experience,” he added.

In an obvious reference to Mahathir, Sohaimi said the real “old newspaper” is with the opposition at present.

He also claimed that current Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali was singing praises of him to the point of forgetting that it was this “old newspaper” who dragged Anwar Ibrahim to prison at one time.

“Mat Taib's decision to leave PKR proves the party has no policy to struggle for the religion, race and nation. In fact, it proves that Umno remains as the champion of this struggle,” he added.

Sohaimi claimed that the exodus of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) leaders also proved that a party formed out of personal agendas and vendettas cannot champion the people.- Mkini