ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno has backed party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's firm stance against disloyalty among the party members.
This follows reports that Umno Supreme Council member and Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has been in talks to join PKR.
Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said Zahid's stance demonstrates his commitment to ensuring stability and harmony among the Unity Government's component parties.
"Kedah Umno strongly condemns any act of party members defecting or jumping ship, even when it involves component parties of the Unity Government.
"This is entirely unacceptable, and the party must take action against any member who engages in such behaviour," he said in a statement today.
Shaiful described such actions as unethical, desperate, and opportunistic, warning that they could become a cancer capable of destroying the party's structure.
"Kedah Umno also urges the component parties within the Unity Government not to entertain such disgraceful conduct.
"Kedah Umno remains committed to supporting cooperation within the unity government, but clear boundaries must be respected," he added.
On Saturday, Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, addressed reports of Tengku Zafrul's potential defection to PKR, expressing strong opposition to such actions.
Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul confirmed that discussions with PKR had taken place regarding party membership.
However, he clarified that no decision had been made.
Tengku Zafrul also denied allegations that he was seeking positions at the state level during these discussions.
PKR president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that the party has held discussions with Tengku Zafrul.