KUANTAN: It remains a question whether the sudden decision by Umno members of parliament to quit the party was something pre-planned or mere coincidence.
Pahang Umno secretary Datuk Seri Ab Hamid Nazahar said no one had any clue if the decisions were planned or by accident, especially with two major upcoming political related events.
“The Umno General Assembly is scheduled to be held next week (Sept 29 and 30) while the Port Dickson by-election will also be held soon...no one knows (pre-planned or coincidence),” he said when contacted today.
He was commenting on Jeli Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Anifah Aman announcing their decision last Tuesday to quit the party.
Hamid said although their departure was sudden, which would have some impact among the party members, everyone should respect their decision.
“Their decision has come as a surprise to many.....Tok Pa (Mustapa)has always been a respected veteran leader in the party. However, the two leaders have their own reasons for their move.
“Umno members should now remain patient to deal with the challenging times. There has been a lot of rumours (more leaders resigning) but the members should continue to place their confidence in the party leaders and its struggles,” he said.
Meanwhile, another Umno veteran leader, who declined to be named, said some of the members could not face the reality that they had become the opposition.
“After being the ruling government, they cannot accept the fact Umno is now the opposition and the leaders find it strange to operate like a normal political party,” he said.