JOHOR BARU: Umno members should not be making demands as if the party is still strong and dominant in the government, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Umno vice-president said that the party was just a small part of the unity government.
“We cannot act as if we are still the dominant party (in the government) and make a thousand and one demands.
“When those demands are not met, they are followed by threats. Do not forget, we are only a small part that forms the government,” he said in his opening speech at the Pasir Gudang Umno division meeting here on Saturday (July 27).
Mohamed Khaled said that at times, Umno members have put the party and its leaders in a tough spot with their demands.
He highlighted an example of when the Pakatan Harapan candidate lost in the July 6 Sungai Bakap by-election, there were voices within Umno calling for the party to cut ties with its unity government partners.
He added that the party was not as strong as before and does not have as much choice.
“When (party members) attack Umno and its leaders, this puts us in a tough position and might also cause conflict with the other parties we are working with in the government.
“This could further complicate the situation,” said Mohamed Khaled, who is also Defence Minister and Kota Tinggi MP.
He also urged the party members from all levels to focus on service-based politics and offer modern solutions and ideas to win over voters.
