UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan rejected suggestions of internal discord in the party on Tuesday at the UMNO 80th anniversary convention at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. [1]
He said unnamed quarters had tried repeatedly to stir tension between him and UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, but said he would stay loyal to the party leadership. “Many are trying to drive a wedge between us, especially between me and Datuk Seri (Ahmad Zahid). It is not a small number, it is many, but I choose to remain loyal to the party and to support the president,” he said. [1]
Mohamad said he remained committed to party unity and organisational discipline. He added that no one should try to sow discord at a time he described as crucial for the party. “Therefore, at this crucial moment, there must be no elements that seek to sow discord and pit us against one another,” he said. [1]
He also said he was prepared to give up his positions if that would benefit UMNO, adding that he had “nothing to lose” as he marked his 70th birthday. He said he was no longer focused on his own career and wanted to give back to the party and the country. [1]
Mohamad, who is also Malaysia’s foreign minister, said UMNO remained an important component in government formation and national stability in Malaysia. The party marked its 80th anniversary at the Kuala Lumpur event, where Mohamad used the platform to press for discipline and unity within its ranks. [1]
