SHAH ALAM: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has verbally reminded Unity Government parties to uphold the convention of not accepting members from other component parties.
Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, said a protest note was being prepared to be sent to parties that have admitted Umno members.
“The protest note is a decision of the Umno Supreme Council. We have long stated that parties in the Unity Government should not accept members from other component parties.
“This must be respected; it is a convention that should be honoured by every party in the coalition.
“The note is being prepared, but I have already conveyed this verbally to the respective party presidents,” he said.
Zahid, who is the deputy prime minister, told reporters this after attending the 16th National Civil Defence Student Corps Commissioning ceremony.
His comments follow news that Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz had his application to join PKR accepted.
Zafrul resigned as an Umno Supreme Council member and Kota Raja division chief on May 30.
Earlier, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party would submit protest notes to coalition partners that had admitted or planned to admit former Umno members.
He said the move was a stern warning to safeguard ties within the Unity Government.
Asyraf said the decision was made at the Supreme Council meeting held on Aug 13.
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