'Umno must be saved, we can no longer have thorns on our side' - Zahid
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Zahid said he welcomed any differing opinions but will not compromise towards those who question the integrity of the party.
He said he could not allow any internal attack that could affect the party.
"The attack may not come externally, we must know those outside and inside the party. There were several internal acts that were done secretly, but I must assume the best for those individuals involved, but as the one entrusted to lead the party, can I just stand idly by?
"The party must be saved, we cannot have enemies among ourselves anymore. We must open our eyes and pull out the weeds before it spreads.
"That is what we call political clarity and what should be done, I do not want to accuse or implicate any individual, I celebrate the differences of opinion, but when it touches upon the integrity of the party, I will not compromise on it," he said during a talk show entitled 'Desa Makmur Luar Bandar Sejahtera' which was aired on the Bernama TV channel on Tuesday.
On Friday the Umno Supreme Council sacked two of its notable members, former Selangor UMNO chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar and former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin. The party also suspended several leaders for six years including former vice president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and former Information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan.
Zahid said as the leader, he could not take whatever was happening in the party lightly.
The Bagan Datuk MP explained that if there were criticism outside or within the party it must be dealt with in the best way possible.
"If you are worried about being swept away by waves, don't build a house by the beach, but in actuality what is built should be strong to withstand anything, that is what we have to apply in our minds.
"We as leaders should have these (thoughts) in our minds, how many individuals support us, those who don't, checks and balances must be done in the matter.
"Don't be so full of yourself stating everyone supports or doesn't support us. I think external and internal criticisms must be accepted and dealt with as best as possible," he said.
