Amid attacks, Umno holds closed-door briefing on Zahid's DNAA

Umno today conducted a closed-door briefing session for its members regarding the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) granted to party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

According to secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, it is a normal thing for Umno to do whenever the party faces big issues.

"The briefing was needed because a lot of members do not understand the details regarding the case involving the president (Zahid)," Asyraf told reporters after the briefing session at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

The programme, which began at 10am and went on for about three hours, was attended by division chiefs and information chiefs from all its 151 branches, nationwide.

According to Asyraf (above), the briefing was crucial as the party rides into a series of elections.

He said that previously a lot of facts could not be openly explained by Zahid's lawyer, for fear of it being sub judice.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, was granted DNAA in the Yayasan Akalbudi case on Sept 4.

Amid accusations of executive intervention, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that he was not in any way involved in the decision.

Asked whether today's briefing session was conducted because Umno was worried about the narrative played up by Perikatan Nasional on social media, Asyraf replied in the negative.

He said Umno was not affected at all by the DNAA issue, citing the Harapan-BN coalition's win in the recently concluded Pulai and Simpang Jeram twin by-elections.

Secular nation

"We (the coalition) won with a bigger majority. Umno has learnt from past mistakes."

Asyraf also dismissed claims by the opposition that the country is becoming a secular nation under the coalition government's rule.

"The unity government comprises 19 political parties but the opposition makes it sound as if there are only Umno and DAP in it.

"Perception games like these and slandering by the opposition must be countered and replied with facts, without Umno also resorting to cheap tactics like them (PN)," he said, stressing the importance of the briefing session.