PETALING JAYA: Enough is enough.
Veteran politician Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman decided not to campaign for Umno in the upcoming state elections due to the "silence" over his appeal to have his suspension lifted.
Tajuddin told FMT that he had submitted such an appeal four times, but there was no answer, adding that he no longer wanted to appeal.
"That's what I said, give me back my keris - my membership. Why is there no response regarding my appeal? If you want me to campaign, lift my suspension.
"How can I work? (I) want to help (campaigning), but I am also 'tied', my legs are 'tied', my hands are 'tied', what do you want me to do?"
The former member of Parliament for Pasir Salak said this when asked to comment on his readiness to campaign in next month's state polls, including the appeal status against the six-year membership suspension.
Previously, Tajuddin had urged Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to withdraw his membership suspension so that he could attack Umno's rivals.
"I have been in Umno for 50 years, from being a youth leader at 25. They do this to me. What have I done wrong?
"Can't criticise, give views, give advice, can't reprimand? What kind of party do you want it to be if it can't be reprimanded?" he said.
However, Tajuddin's disappointment was not with Umno but with its leaders who run the party.
"It seems that these leaders have no party interests, (but) more for personal interests. (They) want position, rank, (but) don't think about the party.
"They know the party is in a weak state, and they don't care. They continue feeling confident, just like before GE15."
Tajuddin was also aghast by the sense of pride in Umno despite being only the minority in the unity government.
"What is this? Where is Umno's dignity," he asked.
Tajuddin also refused to join another party at this time.