KUALA LUMPUR: Umno today reaffirmed its firm stance in rejecting any attempts by component parties in the unity government to poach its leaders, party secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said.
Asyraf Wajdi issued the statement in the wake of claims suggesting that Umno Supreme Council member Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz was leaving the party for PKR.
He warned that the practice of recruiting members or leaders from other parties in the unity government would only fuel disputes and conflicts, ultimately destabilising the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional cooperation.
"Enough with the bitter experiences of past political alliances, where treacherous behavior, party-hopping, and the poaching of members from within the coalition led to the downfall of the government," he said in a post on his Facebook.
Asyraf said the party also expressed concern over the statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who confirmed that there was a discussion with Zafrul on the possibility of the latter joining PKR.
He said Anwar had reportedly sought the views of Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over the matter.
Earlier today, Anwar when met after attending PKR's special convention confirmed the discussion with Zafrul, saying the discussions were still in the preliminary stages.
"There have been initial discussions. The principle is that we adopt an open approach, welcoming individuals who can contribute to the party but we do so in a proper manner to maintain good relationships with other parties, including Umno and our allies."