Don't accept those who quit, discredit party, UMNO told

UMNO has been reminded not to continue accepting or promoting individuals who return to its fold after discrediting the party and its leadership.

UMNO Veterans Club national secretary Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said many opportunities had been given to this group, including positions, rewards and ranks.

"This has been denied even to party diehards who were loyal to UMNO. Enough with such actions which can be detrimental to the party," he said in a press statement here Monday.

He said UMNO was not on the losing end if a member decided to quit the party.

Yesterday, former senator Datuk Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor quit UMNO to "defend the principles of struggle".

"If (UMNO) deputy president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) can be removed and vice-president (Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal) can leave UMNO, who is (Mohamad) Ezam that his loss must be felt?

"Let him go. In fact, it is better if more and more people like (Mohamad) Ezam leave UMNO," said Mustapha, adding those who left the party did so for personal principles. -- Bernama