Najib's fate to be decided at UMNO general assembly 2015 - Rahim
Wan Syamsul Amly
April 30, 2015 12:36 MYT
April 30, 2015 12:36 MYT
He said if there is no fight for the UMNO presidency, Najib would still have to battle it out and prove his worth and strength at the 14th general election.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s political fate will be decided at the UMNO general assembly which will be held at the end of the year, said UMNO veteran Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik.
Rahim backed his claims based on the proposal by UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to not to postpone the 2016 party elections.
“UMNO will have to face the consequences if the party elections are postponed. Najib will have to face challenges from various quarters including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,” he said in an interview with Astro AWANI.
He said if there is no fight for the UMNO presidency, Najib would still have to battle it out and prove his worth and strength at the 14th general election.
“But, if there is a challenge for him, Najib will have to defend his seat knowing that UMNO grassroots are asking for a change of leadership,” he added.
Muhyiddin at the 2014 UMNO AGM had proposed that UMNO should not postpone its party election as it has been doing previously.
He proposed that party elections are held as per the time stated under the party constitution and called on the constitution to be amended this year to allow more young people to play bigger roles in the party.
Rahim warned that conflict would rear its ugly head in the party if party elections are postponed as grassroots have stated that they want changes in top leadership.
He said conflicts in the party mainly between the Najib and Dr Mahathir will continue unless party elections are next year, as stated in the party Constitution.
He said Dr Mahathir’s recent attacks and criticisms against the current leadership is aimed to put the party on right tracks.
“He is not doing this now to place his son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz as party top leader, don’t misunderstand. He only wants the number one man to let go of his position,” he said.
On the by-elections, Rahim said vote majority would determine the support of the people to UMNO.
“If the majority drops in Rompin, it would signal a reduced support. It’s the same with Permatang Pauh, and the prospect to win is harder after PAS Youth there decides to work again with PKR,” he said.