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UMNO members have been reminded to submit any proposals concerning the party’s position within the Unity Government or potential cooperation with PAS through established channels, rather than acting on personal viewpoints.
UMNO’s Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said such discussions should take place through the proper forums, including the party’s Political Bureau and the upcoming UMNO General Assembly.
“People must follow the correct process, just as in personal matters. If one intends to divorce or remarry, there is a period of iddah (a prescribed waiting period that a woman must observe after the death of her husband or after a divorce before she can remarry). You cannot declare a divorce today after having already said the words yesterday.
“It simply cannot be done like that,” she said, drawing a parallel between personal conduct and political deliberation.
“If you intend to separate, discuss it properly with both families, reach reconciliation in accordance with Islam. UMNO, since its establishment in 1946, has faced many challenges.”
She added: “Leadership within UMNO has its own wisdom. We begin with the Political Bureau, and then the General Assembly next week. I believe UMNO always engages in consultation. Even if not all members appear pious, we uphold Malay and Islamic traditions.”
Azalina’s comments came in response to suggestions by UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who recently called for UMNO to withdraw from the Unity Government and adopt an opposition role, while also urging the party to pursue unity with PAS to safeguard religious and ethnic interests.
Azalina also questioned the methodology of a survey reportedly conducted by Dr Muhamad Akmal to support his call for UMNO to exit the government.
“Was the survey he conducted, as an ADUN for Merlimau, limited to grassroots UMNO members, or did it represent the views of the party’s elected representatives? That is unclear,” she said.
She noted that even senior party figures have described such surveys as reflecting personal opinions. “Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Nordin also stated it was a personal view. What I find puzzling is the 1,800 surveys he conducted — were these involving elected representatives or ordinary members? Were ADUNs and BN Members of Parliament included in the survey? We do not know,” she said.
By stressing the importance of structured consultation, Azalina underscored UMNO’s commitment to collective decision-making and adherence to party traditions, even amid debates over its future role in the national political landscape. - January 5, 2025