Efforts to weaken UMNO still ongoing - Asyraf Wajdi

KUALA LUMPUR: Various efforts have been made to weaken and even destroy UMNO in multiple ways since the party lost power and lost in the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018.

UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the efforts included banning the party by exploiting 16 former members and using the excuse that UMNO had violated its constitution by postponing party elections.

According to him, efforts to weaken UMNO were still ongoing, including using the 'knife, pen and cheque book' approach to divide UMNO.

“Not enough with court action against the party, the UMNO leadership is threatened to dissolve the party if they do not want to be prosecuted and action taken in various forms.

“The fact is many UMNO leaders were threatened, pressured and coerced by using various agencies under the PH government at that time.

"Members who have the resilience continue to remain loyal to defend the party despite being a self -burning candle," he said via a post on his official Facebook on Monday.

However, Dr Asyraf Wajdi did not deny that there were also those who were hesitant, nervous and could not stand the test and therefore decided to leave the party.

In fact, they even stabbed the party that once raised them and put them in the highest and most respected position.

“Alhamdulillah, UMNO is still protected by Allah because it continues to be able to survive and remain intact until now. The real strength and integrity of UMNO lies in the sincerity of the grassroots.

"The grassroots, which is a network of 3.5 million UMNO members in 191 divisions and more than 22,000 branches throughout Malaysia, are sincere and loyal in fighting to defend the platform, even though some leaders are easily swayed and run away from the party," he said.

He stressed that UMNO should not be blamed for losing in GE14, instead the defeat was the work of a handful of leaders and members who forgot themselves and forgot the root of the struggle.

Meanwhile, in the same status, Dr Asyraf Wajdi also gave this piece of advice to all UMNO members:

"Everything that happened has its silver lining. Now every UMNO fighter can no longer make the same mistake.

"Don't be arrogant, don't be haughty to continue to reflect, change and make corrections. Do not dance to the tune of the enemy who is always treacherous and envious. Don't let us be easily played and manipulated.

“Prioritise unity and solidarity. Don’t be quick to believe in sensational stories that only trigger prejudices and perceptions. Defend the party's traditions and institution," he said.