#UMNO2015: Don't use freedom of speech to take a stab at the party - Idris Haron

UMNO members should optimise the freedom of speech to strengthen the party and not stab it, said UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

The Melaka Chief Minister said they should use the opportunity provided by the party, instead of using other forum to bad-mouth UMNO.

"There is no procedure in the party that say we can debate motion outside the party forum, there is no provision in the party constitution that say we criticise the party outside the party forum.

"Party members should remember and understand deeply the Malay proverb 'sebab pulut, santan binasa, sebab mulut badan binasa' (careless words stab like a sword)," he told Bernama here Friday.

Idris was met at Wisma Bernama here today where he appeared as a guest in Bernama TV's programme 'Bernama Today. Also present was Bernama general manager Datuk Zulkefli Salleh.

Idris said he viewed the decision by the party's Supreme Council to not allow UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to speak at the assembly as a reminder and because of love for the party.

"It is like in a family, when a child violates a regulation, he/she will be grounded," he added.

During the interview with Bernama Today, Idris stressed the importance of unity in UMNO and solidarity among its members for the party to move forward and achieve its vision.

"We have to begin with solidarity and unity, we can't afford to have disunity in the party because we have a lot to do for the people and for the next general election," he said.