The Malaysian Insight

UMNO grassroots members are divided over the party’s decision to withdraw support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

They are also in disagreement over the appointment of two party members to senior positions in Muhyiddin’s cabinet.

Members told The Malaysian Insight they are worried about a backlash from the people while others said the party leadership have made a move that will have a positive impact on the country.

Those opposed to the decision to abandon the prime minister said the timing was all wrong for such a move, adding that there must be unity in the fight against the pandemic.

Hairani Halim, 59, in Gombak, said focus must be on the battle with Covid-19.

“No matter who is in power, priority must be given to Covid-19. Since Ismail Sabri has been appointed (deputy prime minister), he is one of the main leaders of Umno,” Hairani said.

He was referring to the appointment of Ismail as DPM and Hishammuddin Hussein as a senior federal minister earlier this week.

“Umno’s voice will be heard through the two ministers. Now is not the right time to change government, it’s inappropriate,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

On Wednesday, Umno withdrew support for Muhyiddin following a four-hour Supreme Council meeting.

Party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a new prime minister should be appointed to lead the Covid response because Muhyiddin and his ministers have failed to contain the crisis.

Earlier that day, Muhyiddin had announced the promotion of Ismail Sabri Yaakob to deputy prime minister and Hishammuddin Hussein to senior minister..

Umno lawmakers hold nine ministerial and eight deputy ministerial positions in the Muhyiddin-led administration.

Umno Youth Exco Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris also agreed with Hairani that the decision was not timely given that the country is in a crisis.

He said there was no denying that the people are disappointed in the PN, but Umno should wait until the Covid-19 immunisation plan is completed before making any decisions.

He also accused party president Ahmad Zahid of making “flip-flop” decisions.

“If you look at his statement, he said that Umno no longer supports Muhyiddin but at the same time, he said party members can vote for whoever they want.

“These comments will only reflect badly on Umno,” he said.

Azri, however, agreed the two new appointments were good for the party.

Meanwhile, Umno veteran’s association secretary-general Mustapha Yaakub said whether or not grassroots members accept the decision depends on their understanding of the party’s constitution.

“Umno members who understand the constitution and the decisions of the general assembly still support the supreme council and their decisions.

“Those who do not understand or comprehend it will question their decisions,” he said.

Terengganu Umno Youth chief Tengku Haphiz Tengku Haphiz Tengku Putera said the supreme council was merely voicing out the opinions of the grassroots and if it decides to quit PN altogether, the members will also support that decision.

“All the same, we will support. Many don’t understand that a change in prime minister will have a positive impact on the country,” Tengku Haphiz said.

He said Muhyiddin and his ministers have failed to rein in the pandemic while the people continue to suffer, adding that the country needs new people at the helm.

“Otherwise, there will be no solution to the Covid-19 situation and the economy.

“At the grassroots level, we are not comfortable with the PN because they are disrespectful and Umno feels left out,” Tengku Haphiz said.

He added that though Umno has made its decision, it will still need support from its members of parliament and Barisan Nasional component parties.

Tengku Haphiz also said grassroots members are of different opinions on the appointments of Ismail Sabri and Hishammudin. Some said Umno should not accept the posts especially if the party has decided to reject Muhyiddin.

“There is a bit of conflict but Umno cannot be seen as disrespecting the federal constitution. We have to follow the constitution in every decision we make.

“The party must respect the power of the prime minister to appoint cabinet ministers. This is how democracy should be,” he said.

Acting Tanah Merah division chief Mohd Almidi Jaafar said the grassroots members in his division agreed with the party’s decision.

“My friends and I will abide by the party’s decision. That is our stance since the division was suspended in 2019. We will abide with the decisions of the top leadership,” he said.

The Tanah Merah division was suspended in 2019 after Umno lawmaker Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz left to join Bersatu after the 14th general election. – July 11, 2021.