Zahid: Umno leader in cahoots with opposition to topple BN through ‘backdoor’

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 ― An Umno leader is conspiring with opposition MP to oust the Barisan Nasional (BN) government through the “backdoor”, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed today.

Citing “trusted sources”, Zahid who is also Umno vice-president told Ampang party delegates here that the move involved getting lawmakers from both sides of the political divide to sign a statutory declaration (SD) to show they had the majority voice to move a no-confidence vote against the current administration.

However, he declined to reveal the name of the Umno insider.

“What is happening now, as the home minister I know that there is a move to oust the current government.

“This is the motive done and planned by several leaders to obtain an SD signed by opposition and BN MPs to topple the current government through back door means.

“Ironically, this move is being led by an Umno and BN leader. I will not say who but it will be revealed in due time,” Zahid said during his speech.

The Bagan Datoh MP said the plot involved “lawyers preparing a seven-page yellow paper memorandum to be attached with the SD to claim that they have the majority voice”.

He claimed that all the 87 opposition MPs have been approached to sign the SD and added that BN MPs were being approached now.

Zahid vowed that he will put an end to the plot and urged other leaders to prevent it too.

“I will never allow this to happen. If there is any plot to topple the government, I ask all leaders to rise and ensure this does not happen,” he said.

The rumour mill has been grinding non-stop since the removal of Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal from Cabinet in a shake-up last month following their public criticism of the government’s handling of debt-riddled state investor 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Another Umno elder linked to the BN ouster plot is former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who has emerged as the most prominent critic of 1MDB from within the ruling party.

However, Muhyddin has since repeatedly affirmed his loyalty to the party and its president Datuk Seri Najib Razak despite the latter’s decision to axe him as deputy prime minister.