We don’t need populists, says Puad about KJ

UMNO Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi has dismissed the possibility of Khairy Jamaluddin returning to the party, saying Umno does not need “populists” who bring no real benefit.

Puad made it clear he would not support Khairy’s return, describing the former Rembau MP as someone who only looked out for himself.

“I didn’t hear anything about Umno bringing him back but I will not agree to it,” he told FMT in reference to talk of Khairy rejoining Umno.

“Umno doesn’t need populists. They bring no benefit to the party and only serve their own interests.”

According to Puad, Umno needs loyalists who respect the party’s decision-making processes.

“Umno needs those who are loyal and respect consultation. Khairy has proven he doesn’t have that quality,” he said.

He also accused Khairy of continuing to be driven by ego, saying the former health minister had not even appealed his sacking from Umno.

Puad, who is the Rengit assemblyman, warned that any attempt to negotiate with Khairy to return to Umno could anger grassroots members.

Instead, he called for the party to prioritise those who had appealed their expulsion and were still waiting for a decision, such as former Jempol Umno chief Salim Sharif.

He likened Khairy to former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, saying they both undermined their respective parties.

“To me, Khairy is just like Rafizi in terms of character – unwilling to follow consensus. Khairy attacked the party during the 15th general election campaign, while Rafizi attacked his party during the internal party polls. It would be better if they both just formed a new party together,” he said.

Yesterday, news portal SuaraTV reported that Khairy was in the process of returning to the party, more than two years after his expulsion.

According to the report, efforts to bring Khairy back began following the death of his father-in-law, former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

 

UMNO tak perlu ‘populis’ seperti KJ – Puad

SEORANG ahli Majlis Kerja Tertinggi Umno menepis kemungkinan Khairy Jamaluddin kembali ke parti itu, mengatakan Umno tidak perlukan ‘populis’ yang tidak ada manfaat pada parti.

Puad Zarkashi tidak menyokong Khairy kembali ke Umno, menyifatkan populisme hanya menguntungkan diri sendiri.

“Saya tak dengar pun (tentang Khairy kembali ke Umno) dan saya tidak akan setuju,”katanya kepada FMT, merujuk desas-desus Khairy menyertai Umno semula.

“Umno tidak perlukan populis. Ia tidak ada manfaat pada parti. Ia hanya menguntungkan dirinya.”

Menurut Puad, Umno perlukan setiakawan yang menghormati musyawarah.

“Umno perlukan setiakawan dan mereka yang menghormati musyawarah. Khairy terbukti tidak ada kualiti itu,” katanya.

Puad juga mendakwa Khairy masih dengan ego, dan setakat yang beliau tahu Khairy tidak membuat rayuan terhadap pemecatan keahlian Umno.

Puad beri amaran ramai ahli Umno akan marah jika ada rundingan untuk membawa Khairy kembali ke parti itu.

Sebaliknya, beliau menggesa Umno utamakan mereka yang masih menunggu hasil rayuan, seperti bekas ketua Umno Jempol, Salim Sharif.

Dalam pada itu, Puad mendakwa Khairy sama macam bekas timbalan presiden PKR, Rafizi Ramli, dari segi karakter.

“Tidak mahu ikut konsensus. Khairy kempen PRU hentam parti. Rafizi kempen pemilihan hentam parti,” katanya.

“Lebih baik Khairy dan Rafizi bergabung tubuh parti baharu.”

Semalam, laman SuaraTV melaporkan bahawa Khairy dilaporkan dalam proses untuk kembali menyertai Umno selepas lebih dua tahun dipecat dari parti itu.

Menurut laporan itu, usaha membawa pulang Khairy ke Umno bermula selepas pemergian bapa mertuanya, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, yang juga bekas presiden parti.

Menurut laman itu, sejak beberapa minggu lepas dikatakan ada perbincangan antara pegawai Khairy dan pegawai Presiden Zahid Hamidi, setelah mendapat isyarat positif daripada Zahid.

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