Najib supporters express loss of trust in Zahid ahead of state polls

PUTRAJAYA - The upcoming state elections are anticipated to serve as a referendum and vote of no confidence towards Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, according to Pertubuhan Jalinan Perpaduan Negara Malaysia President, Syed Muhammad Imran Syed Abdul Aziz.

Syed Muhammad Imran said that the election for Umno president and deputy president must be held immediately after the motion for the top two posts is not contested.

"The sentiment that Umno members have lost trust in the president due to his actions, which made Umno appear as if it were controlled by another individual.

"Those who spoke out against it were subjected to punishment, being either sacked or suspended," he said in a statement today.

Syed Muhammad Imran highlighted the support from all supporters of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, for Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the upcoming election.

He urged the election to be a platform to express a vote of no confidence towards Zahid and hoped that PN leadership would welcome their cooperation.

He further expressed discomfort with Zahid's continued reliance on the support of Najib's followers while failing to unite the ummah (community). Syed Muhammad Imran also urged PN to reject DAP, which he considered the traditional enemy of Umno.

Earlier on July 13, he had reportedly warned the Umno leadership about Najib supporters channeling their backing towards PN in response to what they perceived as disappointing treatment from the Madani Government regarding justice for Najib, an issue that he claimed was not highlighted enough.

Previously, Langkawi Umno division chief and Najib's son, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin argued that the public and grassroots support towards his father was substantial and could even exceed the support for Umno itself.

He reportedly speculated that some Najib supporters might choose not to vote or cast their ballots for the opposition in the elections.