KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has claimed that a faction within DAP, not aligned with the party’s main leadership, is behind several statements targeting Umno leaders, including former party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
In his winding-up speech at the 79th Umno General Assembly here today, the Umno president said those who criticised Najib and Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh were part of what he described as “Team B” within DAP.
“The ones who issued the statements were from Team B in DAP. They also have a Team B in the party.
“I met with their secretary-general (Anthony Loke) and asked why these leaders made such statements against Najib and Dr Akmal,” he said, hinting that it was Loke who had briefed him.
“Lu siapa? (Who are you?)” Zahid added, drawing laughter from party delegates, referring to a statement made by a DAP leader against Dr Akmal.
It was previously reported that DAP came under heavy criticism from Umno leaders following remarks by Puchong member of parliament Yeo Bee Yin over Najib’s unsuccessful bid to serve the remainder of his jail term for the SRC International case under house arrest.
The tension escalated to the point that Puchong Umno decided to end cooperation with its DAP counterpart at the division level.
Zahid also said Umno’s support for the unity government remains steadfast, in line with its commitment to ensuring political stability and good governance.
He stressed that the party is not one to betray its political partners.
“If you want to make friends, act like a friend. Insya-Allah, we will never betray our friends. We will not be the snake that bites our friends twice,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
