Umno War Of Words Sign Of Widening Rift

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Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi (right) criticised former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin for supporting the actions of two party members who lodged complaints with the Registrar of Societies over the party’s decision not to hold contests for the top two posts. - NSTP file picKUALA LUMPUR: The report lodged by two Umno members with the Registrar of Societies (RoS), over the party's decision not to hold contests for the top two positions, has led to a war of words between two of its leaders.
Analysts said it's the clearest sign yet of a widening rift in the party.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi first opened fire when he questioned former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin for lauding two members who had lodged their complaints with the RoS.
In a Facebook post laced with sarcasm, Puad said: "KJ praised the two party members for lodging a complaint with the RoS... he described them as brave and sane.
"Were they brave or just being used? The top officials should be the ones filing the complaint, only then can we describe it as bravery. Do not use your subordinates, especially former (ministerial) officers. Is that logical?"
Puad was responding to Khairy's Instagram story, in which the latter lauded the two Umno members for lodging their complaints.
"Well done, guys. There are still some brave and sane people in Umno.
"I am confident about the RoS' credibility to review the application put forth by the Rembau delegate in the general assembly properly," he said.
The motion was proposed by Rembau Umno delegate Mohd Shukri Shamsudin at the debate on the party president's policy speech. It was seconded by Marang Umno chief Datuk Nik Dir Nik Wan Ku.
It was reported that two Umno members had filed complaints with the RoS on Friday over the no-contest motion for the posts of party president and deputy president in the party election.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has since said that Umno leaders and members who challenged the decision outside may face disciplinary action.
He cited Article 8 of the party constitution, which states that the Umno general assembly, which approved the motion, was the party's highest authority.
Meanwhile, Khairy, when contacted by the New Sunday Times yesterday, said Puad had no business questioning him for lauding those who had taken the matter to the RoS.
"Does Umno only belong to the top leaders? Umno belongs to all its members.
"Any member can ask the RoS for clarification.
"We must respect any Umno member who wants clarity since the Rembau motion is very controversial with many legal experts questioning its validity.
"I support any Umno member who wants to clarify the validity of the Rembau motion," said the former Rembau member of parliament.
Political analyst Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul said the exchanges between the Umno factions painted a bad picture of the party, as it showed disunity among the leaders.
He said it was clear the party was divided between those supporting its president and those who were against him.
"The party needs to do damage control quickly." - NST

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