MERBOK: Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has lashed out at party members who are contemplating leaving the party to pursue personal interests.
Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, reiterated his stand that the unity government component parties should not poach party members from other parties in the coalition.
"In Kuala Lumpur earlier today, I made it clear our stand against poaching members from BN components. Please respect Umno's position in BN.
"If there is personal interest, if there is individual interest, go to hell with personal interest, go to hell with individual interest.
"Umno prioritises members who are loyal," he said in his speech while opening the Kedah BN Convention 2024 at AIMST University here today.
Earlier today, Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, made a similar stand in Kuala Lumpur when commenting on a rumour of Umno Supreme Council member and Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz leaving Umno for PKR.
On Friday, the media reported that intense negotiations were underway over the possibility of Tengku Zafrul leaving Umno for PKR, with a decision expected within the next two days, according to sources within Selangor Umno.
The source said if Zafrul joins PKR, the announcement is likely to be made on Sunday during PKR's congress.
The source also said members of Tengku Zafrul's camp were finalising negotiations with their PKR counterparts over the matter.
Meanwhile, another source close to the matter said Tengku Zafrul was expected to play a bigger role in Selangor's administration and economic progress.