The Malaysian Insight

UMNO members who wish to work with Bersatu are supporting Malay unity and should not be penalised, said a suspended member of the former.

Former Umno Youth exco Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, whose membership has been suspended for six years over his refusal to toe the party line, said he did not ask Umno members to join Bersatu.

“I don’t understand why my call to work together with Bersatu or PAS or anyone is wrong.

“I support such collaboration because Umno’s foundation is about uniting the Malay race. If what I’m saying is wrong, then the top leadership should resign if they don’t understand,” said the former blogger whose moniker was “Papagomo”.

Azri, who is also critical of president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, added that Umno had originally decided only to stop working with Bersatu when the 15th General Election is called.

He said Zahid’s rush to oust Bersatu chief Muhyiddin Yassin from the prime minister’s post by working with the “court cluster” in Umno had tarnished the party’s image.

Azri noted the irony of Umno rejecting Bersatu, but then forming the current government with Bersatu leaders.

“It’s unfair that I have been suspended for six years for urging Umno to work with Bersatu, when they have formed a government with Bersatu.”

The Umno disciplinary board suspended Azri’s membership for six years on Wednesday for breaching the party constitution.

Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said Azri had acted in contravention of the party constitution by disregarding its decisions and instructions, and by failing to protect the party’s name.

Azri gained popularity with his now inactive blog as “Papagomo” and his provocative comments on racial and religious issues affecting Muslims.

His writings had led to a slew of defamation suits.

He rose from the ranks in Umno Youth, and won an exco post in the 2018 after Umno lost federal power for the first time in the general election the same year.

Azri said he is still loyal to Umno and will not join any other political party despite receiving several offers.

“Although I have been suspended, I’m confident that I can convince the youths to understand the true reality. This isn’t about any individual but about Umno’s struggles.

“I’m loyal to Umno and will continue to be loyal even though I’m suspended. I’ll remain with the party.” – September 5, 2021.