Saving the party is more important than saving individuals, Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman said.
Ahmad Razif, who is also Terengganu Umno chief said this when asked whether Terengganu Umno wants Muhyiddin Yassin to remain as Umno deputy president amidst claims of moves to kick out the party number two.
Razif said Umno has disciplinary procedures and does not belong to anyone, including party president and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
To a question, he said the issue is not about Muhyiddin, but rather about what is required of party members.
He stressed that Umno members were subject to rules and regulations of the party.
“If the disciplinary board thinks that the particular member has gone against any of the party’s rules, I agree that stern action must be taken.
“We need to save the organisation and not the individuals. This is a must in any organisation,” he said, when met by reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.
Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos last Thursday claimed there was a move to oust Muhyiddin from his deputy president post.
Muhyiddin has been critical of 1MDB, Najib's brainchild, and was sacked from his deputy prime minister post late July.
Last Saturday, Muhyiddin released his strongest statement yet, calling Umno leaders cowards for not speaking up at a time of national crisis.
T'ganu Umno backs Najib as president
Razif said that it was up to the party’s disciplinary board to decide Muhyiddin’s fate.
“If the disciplinary board finds Muhyiddin guilty in this matter, I will support whatever decision made (by the disciplinary board)," he said.
He also said that Terengganu Umno continues to back Najib as president.
“I believe that Umno does not belong to the president, it’s an organisation owned by all and is subject to regulations.
“I am confident that the disciplinary board is transparent and is not influenced by anyone,” he said.
He, however, said punishments must be supported by evidence which can be submitted to the discplinary committee during investigations.
“If the board is not transparent and is without integrity, surely members will protest and this will affect the party," he said.
When asked if ousting Muhyiddin will appear like a move to silence Najib’s critics, Razif said any grievances should be aired through the proper channels.
“There are ways to air your grievances,” he said, citing former MIC president G Palanivel who brought his grievances over MIC to court.
Langkawi Umno member Anina Saaduddin is facing disciplinary action from Umno , after she filed a lawsuit against Najib over the RM2.6 billion found in Najib's account.
Anina, who also sought to freeze Najib's personal assets, argues that the funds should be channeled to the party if the funds were a "political donation" as claimed.
She is also challenging her expulsion from Umno.
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