Don't practice 'satay' politics - Ahmad Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today reminded all UMNO members not to practise a 'satay' political culture for the strength and survival of the party.

The UMNO vice-president said that instigators and those who fan the flames of issues plaguing the party cannot exist in UMNO because such an attitude could cause members to split and damage the party.

He said UMNO members should emulate the spirit and principles of the party's deputy president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to continue with the party's struggle even if dropped from the cabinet.

"But don't be instigators and backbiters, do not promote 'satay' politics and worse fan animosity," he said when officiating at the Kepong Division UMNO Wanita delegates meeting here today.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said that compatibility in politics must be enhanced so that there is continuity of leadership at all levels.

He said that the current government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also UMNO President, was being tested, with the opposition trying to come up with various issues to bring chaos.

Speaking at a press conference later, the deputy prime minister said the UMNO leadership at all levels should respect Muhyiddin's stance to remain with the party.

Ahmad Zahid said he believed that Muhyiddin as a true warrior of UMNO would keep his promise to remain as deputy president of UMNO, and never be with the opposition nor support any motion of no confidence against the leadership of the government in the Dewan Rakyat sitting.

"I as vice-president will continue to support him (Muhyiddin) and ask all leaders at the grassroots level, state or national to respect the stance," he added.