The Pusat Bandar Taman Cempaka Umno branch will host a programme with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is on a mission to oust Umno president Najib Abdul Razak from his prime ministership.

The branch, which is part of the Pandan Umno division, is the first Umno branch to hold a programme to allow the former Umno president to explain why he wants Najib out.

Branch chief Syed Saifuddin Syed Harman said the decision was made by the branch committee given the worrying state of current political affairs.

“No other branch is willing to step forward in this political and leadership crisis. I am taking this initiative to give a statesman like Tun (Mahathir) to explain to the people.

“He is an Umno icon. Like it or not, he is still popular among youths and the grassroots,” he told Malaysiakini.

The high-tea with Mahathir (photo) , themed ‘Kembalikan maruah perjuangan bangsa’ (Redeem the dignity in our struggle) will be at De Palma Hotel this Saturday and is not only limited to Umno members, he said.

However, it is a ticketed event with each seat costing a cool RM80 ringgit.

With all but 10 tables have been sold as at yesterday afternoon, the remaining 100 tickets are hot tickets to grab, he said.

“If anyone wants a seat, they have to be quick. We won’t sell extra seats,” he said, adding that the hall can only fit 600.

Nothing wrong

Asked if he fears censure from Umno, Syed Saifuddin said hosting a hi-tea event – complete with lucky draws and a special performance by Radhi OAG (photo) – does not contravene party rules.

Pandan Umno chief Mohd Haniff Koslan is also aware of the event and has no objections, he said.

“I don’t think there is an issue with hosting a programme with Tun who is former prime minister, former Umno president and still an Umno member.

“It wouldn’t be an issue as long as it remains within limits and does not affect the party,” said Syed Saifuddin, who has been branch chief since 1990.

The Umno member of 27 years also does not believe he will face personal strife.

“There is no reason to. What have I done to Umno, what disciplinary issues? I have not broken any rules or breach the party constitution.

“I am not inviting anyone from an opposing party. This is an Umno event, we will sing the Umno song and speak about Umno’s greatness.

“What we want to talk about is possible discrepancies within the Umno leadership which needs to be fixed,” he said.

We've heard form PM, now it's Dr M's turn

He said Umno members have heard PM Najib’s explanation, so it is now time to listen to Mahathir directly.

“There have been many information sessions by the government and NGOs, so now we take the opportunity to invite Mahathir. He is beloved in Umno.

“ We have heard form the PM, from cabinet ministers as well as top Umno leadership, so now members living in Ampang and Pandan can meet Mahathir, listen to him and have a dialogue.

“Not everything that he says will be accepted, but we will be able to make better judgement on what he is saying and what the Umno leadership is saying.

“As Umno members and citizen of Malaysia, we will only be able to return the people’s trust in Umno after making our own judgements,” he said.

He clarified the hi-tea event is not to smear or topple the government, but is aimed at strengthening BN so it can continue to rule.

“We love the government and BN. We must fight for BN to remain in government until the next general election and the next.

“The problem today is the leadership. This is what we need to fixed, for the sake of Umno’s future,” he said.

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