Don't embrace party hoppers, Khaled tells unity govt partners
BATU PAHAT: Umno issued a firm reminder to its partners in the unity government not to accept party leaders and members looking to defect, warning that doing so will undermine political stability and mutual trust.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, without naming names, said such behaviour could weaken the coalition's cohesion and must not be encouraged.
"This is the message I want to send – if no party receives defectors, this issue won't arise," he said during the opening of the Batu Pahat Umno division delegates meeting today, attended by division chief Zaidi Japar.
He stressed that party-hopping was rarely about ideology and more often driven by personal ambition.
"Let's be honest, most who jump ship do it for position, rewards and power, not principles," he said.
Taking a jab at disloyal leaders, Khaled cited the loyalty shown by the Iranian Jewish community to their country, which he said despite the recent conflict with Israel, had chosen to follow the Iranian leadership.
"In Iran, 20 per cent of the population is Jewish, yet they stand with their government against Israel. But here, we are not even at war and some are already switching sides. What does that say?"
He lamented the presence of leaders who were willing to abandon the party, calling it "unfortunate" and counterproductive to the party's long-term struggle.
Khaled called on grassroots members to remain committed even in disagreement, saying loyalty was key to building a strong front capable of weathering future challenges.
"We can only face difficult decisions and push our struggle forward through unity and discipline — not by chasing temporary gains," he said.
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