Don't back me into a corner - Zahid warns critics, 'traitors'

UMNO AGM | Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has warned his critics in the party not to back him into a corner.

"I am an open person. But when I am pushed to the wall, my openness has its limits.

"I am Zahid Hamidi. I will put a full stop there," he said ominously in his closing speech at the Umno general assembly today.

"They know my DNA in this struggle. I don't want to reveal my true colours. If there is a tiger or lion in me, what comes out is a goat," he added.

He said those who sabotage the party from within are no longer just voicing disagreements, but are traitors. 

Zahid has faced criticisms over his opening speech last night, which some leaders including Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin have described as directionless on whether to be an opposition force or not.

In his speech, he said that he and the other party leaders have been given the mandate to lead the party.

As such those who feel the party is directionless should respect those who have been given the mandate and trust them to implement policies, the Umno chief added.

In a press conference later, Zahid said his remarks were general, and not aimed at any individuals.

He also said that critics in the party will not be sacked.

"I agree with the deputy president (Mohamad Hasan) that no action will be taken. I just ask them to stop disagreeing (publicly)," Zahid added.

He reiterated remarks in his speech that issues "in the bedroom" should not be aired publicly, and that his door is always open if there are any issues or disagreements that need to be raised.

Earlier in his speech, Zahid had also warned members against backdoor dealings to sabotage the party through defections. -Mkini