Repairing Umno: It's like a rat trying to fix a pumpkin - Zahid

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today admitted there had been failed attempts by “certain characters” to repair the party from within since its fall from power in 2018.

Speaking to reporters, Zahid said there are truths in reported remarks by Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, of the party's weakened state and a need to remove "thorns in its sides”.

"The statement by Umno secretary-general carries a lot of truth because since 2018 we have seen various characters who acted like a ‘rat trying to fix a pumpkin’,” he said, quoting a Malay proverb.

Asyraf was quoted in an interview with Berita Harian as saying that Umno, now in a weakened state since before and after the last 15th general election, will carry out a rejuvenation process to regain its strength.

Asyraf also said the rejuvenation will succeed on condition that it must be carried out without any internal conflict, and so it would include removing any “trouble makers”.

Commenting further, Zahid (above) said the present Umno leadership has doubled up efforts to engage members through training aimed at fostering greater cooperation.

Meanwhile, Zahid said Umno will issue the party’s former supreme council member Isham Jalil with his termination letter soon.

"He will receive a letter. In the shortest possible time,” said Zahid when asked for comments on Isham’s statement to Malaysiakini that he has yet to be officially notified of his sacking from the party.

"I have not received any letter. What I know is they have kicked me out from the Umno supreme council’s WhatsApp group," the estranged leader told Malaysiakini yesterday.

Previously, three sources who attended the Umno supreme council meeting on Wednesday confirmed that Isham got the boot via consensus.

Among the reasons that led to his ouster include openly criticising the party leadership and labelling the party as a “barua” (lackey) of DAP, according to the sources who refused to be named.

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