KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 ― The disunity within Umno will not be resolved through the expulsions or resignations of internal critics, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said when describing such incidents as indicative of the leadership’s failings.

In a Facebook post last night, the former Wanita Umno chief said that Umno members were currently too busy fighting one another instead of uniting for the good of the party and the country.

“What is happening now has brought about a bad image to the administration within Umno which has run foul from its original goal and struggle.

“The problem faced now cannot be resolved by sacking members or leaving the party, attacking one another and showcasing qualities which do not reflect the appropriate Umno culture,” she said.

The former international trade and industry minister added that the Umno she knew never resorted to compelling its members to push for the agenda or interests of an individual.

“Why is a party which has long fought for our race and country made a victim to the failures of an individual,” Rafidah asked.

She did not specify which individual she was referring to in her latest Facebook post.

Yesterday, former Umno president and prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he is leaving Umno after claiming that it has become a vehicle to protect the party leadership.

He then called for a “core group of like-minded individuals” to join him in calling for Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s resignation.

Dr Mahathir earlier today said he will not join an opposition party despite quitting Umno, but that he will consider rejoining if Najib leaves,

He previously left Umno in 2008 during Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s tenure as prime minister, only to rejoin a year later when Najib took over as prime minister.

On Friday, the Umno supreme council unanimously voted to suspend Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as deputy president.