1. On 15 August, I wrote an article titled “Time to Leave the Table Before the Feast Turns Rotten.”
2. In it, I argued that UMNO must leave the Cabinet to avoid becoming complicit in Madani policies that increasingly harm the Rakyat.
3. UMNO entered this government out of our respect for the decree of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, not out of a hunger for power. In fact, the Supreme Council had initially resolved that UMNO should remain a responsible opposition.
4. Joining the government was framed as a sacrifice to prevent political paralysis, not a scramble for positions.
5. So let us ask the uncomfortable question now: How can UMNO continue to sit in this government when it openly defies a decree of the very same King on the addendum allowing former Prime Minister Najib Razak to serve his sentence under house arrest?
6. If obeying royal decree justified entering government then, why does ignoring royal decree justify staying in government now?
7. The answer is increasingly obvious. Forming the government was sold as an act of national duty. Remaining in it has degenerated into an act of self-interest, clinging to ministerial posts, GLC appointments, and the comforts of power.
8. UMNO has long styled itself as the defender of the Realm and the Malay Rulers. If that claim is to mean anything, UMNO must now challenge this government to execute the former King’s decree fully and without delay. Failing that, UMNO should do the honourable thing: leave the administration and take its place on the opposition benches before the party haemorrhages what remains of Malay support to Perikatan Nasional.
9. And then there is the timing; curious, if not insulting.
10. On the very day UMNO grassroots were seething over the Najib decision, the Attorney-General chose to issue a statement clarifying Zahid Hamidi’s DNAA. One cannot help but ask: was this a coincidence, or a not so subtle reminder to “stay in line”?
11. Let us also remember this: More than 145 UMNO Division Chiefs issued a public statement urging the party president to act. When asked what they would do if their “advice” was ignored, they coyly replied that they would “cross the bridge when they come to it.”
12. Well, the bridge is no longer ahead. It is right in front of them.
13. So to those 145 Division Chiefs, the moment of truth has arrived. No more press statements. No more rhetorical outrage. No more hiding behind metaphors.
14. Either put up — or shut up.
DATUK TENGKU PUTRA HARON AMINURRASHID JUMAT
UMNO Member: 01059553
