'Plot claim turning Umno members on one another'
Cheras Umno division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee has expressed concern that the claim about an Umno leader plotting to topple the government is making the party members suspicious of one another.
"There is accusation that Umno MPs are joining forces with the opposition to topple the government. This is a serious allegation that can spoil the relationship among party members," Syed Ali said in a blog posting.
The claim was made by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last Saturday, when he declared that an Umno leader was trying to gather enough MPs to oust the current government.
A day later, a blog implicated 20 Umno MPs as among those prepared to topple the government.
Zahid ( photo ) has refused to reveal who the supposed Umno plotter is, merely referring to the person as an "old man".
However, Syed Ali said the unclear revelation would only work to Umno's detriment.
"There is a revelation, but it is not clear who the supposed person involved in wanting to topple the government is. This can create all kinds of negative perceptions that will not benefit Umno," he said.
Syed Ali added that since the claim, Umno leaders have started to accuse one another (of plotting to topple the government) and at this was also affecting the grassroots members.
"I do not see this benefitting anyone, Umno is the one being damaged and its members below have started to become suspicious of one another," he said.
Syed Ali warned that this may also be an attempt to deliberately split Umno from within.
"I am very worried that in the current political scenario, which is quite critical, there may be quarters out to take advantage and split Umno," he said.
However, Syed Ali said, it was up to Zahid to come clean on his allegation.
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