Zahid And Tok Mat Where Loyalty Comes First

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I FEEL compelled to jot a few lines over what appeared in Shahbudindotcom about Zahid Hamidi, Mohamad Hasan and Khairy Jamaluddin yesterday. Although he is free to opine, I am too especially with regards to Umno, its way forward and top structure.

Zahid was elected in a democratically party election amid high speculations about the politically-motivated court cases brought upon him. He won by almost two-third majority. Why did they choose him? Because the party needs a fresh direction and that no other candidates were willing to steer it after the defeat in GE14.

KJ and Tengku Razaleigh were there, both acceptable contenders for the presidency post. Anyhow, they lost? And again, why was Zahid chosen? He was chosen to do all the mending. With some MPs and state reps deserted the party over money, power and 'self-security' from Dr Mahathir's vendetta, would someone like KJ and Ku Li able to revive Umno and put it back on the right track?

Opposition within the party is there. Just like any other party in Malaysia and elsewhere in the world, this is what we call democracy. To safe the party, Zahid decided in December to take 'leave' after picking his deputy Tok Mat to perform the duty of party's president.

That's not at all odd. Tok Mat has his own strength and influence in the party but he is a loyalist. Zahid sees courage and determination in him to continue the party's struggle. Tok Mat knows very well that the party still needs Zahid as its president, notably when the collaboration with Pas that Zahid spearheaded is giving momentum in Cameron Highlands, Semenyih and Rantau.

Tok Mat's victory in Rantau is short of his majority he chalked in GE13 because the non-Malays, especially the Chinese did not cast their vote. So, Shahbudin's comparison can be entirely dispelled. Had it was DAP, the result could be detrimental to Tok Mat.

The bickering in Umno over Zahid's position is fizzling out. Why? Those who went against his leadership began to realize that for Umno-Pas political strategy to result in a better impact, Umno must be seen 'free from internal bleeding'.

The pact has to go on, at least in preparing Barisan Nasional for GE15. With main components MIC and MCA giving a nod to the collaboration, the task to fortify the pact with Pas lies with Zahid, with Tok Mat and others complementing it.

Pas members and those outside BN, notably those who are blase with the current regime, are well looking at Umno before they can join it. Give the pact another year or two, it will produce better results in Sandakan, Jasin and other by-elections 'in waiting'.

So, Zahid has a major role to play in this, and Tok Mat is aware of such positions. But he is not in a haste. Until the next party election in 2021, Tok Mat feels the main priority now is to assist the party president in uplifting its image again. And that is clear.

Perhaps KJ could set an eye on the deputy post. Although both - KJ and Tok Mat - are from the same division, namely Rembau, tales of the tape will never go wrong should consideration is given such a possibility.

The current political scenario does not permit Zahid to throw in the towel. I believe even Tok Mat will not allow it. Strengthening the party is their main objective now, and not power tussle. Any negative picture or bad prophecy will only put the party at rickety.

Standing by 'a man is innocent until proven guilty', I strongly believe whoever appointed to various party positions have to admit that their responsibility comes above all. They can choose between the chair or the pit they dig.

So, its of no use being a party playmaker now. It will only lead to more confusion and complication, unless that's exactly what we want. Don't make it too personal either. In politics, you win some and lose some.

Come to senses and put whatever bad intentions behind. Either Zahid, Mohamad Hasan and KJ can imagine what's gonna happen tomorrow as their main focus now is to unite the party and make it formidable again.

Loyalty does count. As the president seat is an institution, Tok Mat, KJ and all Umno members are aware that it is to be protected and respected... unless if you oppose it with vested-interest!

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