Former UMNO leaders should support current leadership - DPM

Former UMNO leaders should support the current party leadership just as much as they had needed support when they were in power, UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

The deputy prime minister also agreed with Wanita UMNO chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's remark on her Facebook page, in which she rapped her predecessor Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.

In her posting, Shahrizat said Rafidah, who is also former minister of international trade and industry, did not practice what she preached, that is to be loyal and obedient supporter to the leader.

Ahmad Zahid said when one was no longer in the government or party leadership line up, it did not necessarily mean that he or she should have different opinion to the extent of making wild criticisms as it would only be like 'patting water in the tray that would only splash into own face'.

"Although their time has passed, their strength when they were part of the government or party leadership was due to the support from the lower to middle level leaders.

"So, when these leaders take over the leadership of the government and party, then the former leadership should give their support even though they may have different opinions."

He said this to a press conference after launching the 64th Anniversary Carnival of SMK Khir Johari here Saturday.