Mustapa quits Umno, says disagrees with party's direction
Published on: Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Selangor: Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has quit Umno after more than four decades of being a member.In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Mustapa, who is Umno supreme council member and Jeli MP, said the decision is made as he felt that the party's current direction is no longer in line with the political principles he upheld and there was hardly any convincing efforts to start rejuvenating the party."Based on this, after much reflection and deep thought, I have decided to resign as Umno member after more than 40 years of providing service to the party," Mustapa said.ADVERTISEMENT
The former International Trade and Industry Minister said that after the 14th general election, he has made several observations on Malaysia's political landscape, Umno, Barisan Nasional and the country's direction."Based on the latest developments, I feel that it was getting difficult to salvage the diminishing trust deficit and Umno's image. There is no sign that the majority of the multiracial and multi-religious society will once again trust the party's struggles," he added.Mustapa said to be relevant in a dynamic national political scenario today, Umno as the backbone of Barisan, cannot depend on the sole support of the Malays and Bumiputras."My political principle is that Umno should be inclusive, moderate and a party that takes the middle path.ADVERTISEMENT
It is learnt that Mustapa, who is also Air Lanas assemblyman, has left for a short break overseas.Meanwhile, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has taken to Twitter to vent his frustration over Mustapa quitting the party.
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"I have been vocal in cautioning my party against this alliance with PAS and I bore the brunt of attacks from within. Now, we have lost a leading light of our party. A brilliant and good man. This is on you, Mr President (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi)," the Rembau MP tweeted.Following Barisan's disastrous performance in GE14, leaders from Umno had toyed around the idea of cooperating with PAS.Political pundits previously warned that grassroots members may feel uneasy about the unlikely alliance, given that the two parties were arch enemies for decades.However, on Saturday, Umno leaders, including Dr Ahmad Zahid attended the opening of the PAS general assembly.Dr Ahmad Zahid said the relationship between Umno and PAS was a formal political collaboration of opposition parties.Also present were MIC leaders, led by its deputy president Datuk Seri S.K. Devamany, who confirmed their wish to be allied with PAS.In his keynote address, PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said the party, under the Islamic concept of tahalluf (cooperation), was willing to be friendly with political opponents for the greater good.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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