KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 11): Umno secretary general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki insists that "intimidation, slander and malicious accusations" would not weaken the resolve of the party and its leaders.
Speaking at the 2026 Umno general assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Friday, Asyraf said theses attacks were intended to tarnish the party's reputation and test the resilience of its leaders.
“Various intimidation, slander and malicious accusations have been made merely to frighten and tarnish the reputation and test the resilience of the hearts of the leaders,” he said on Friday.
Asyraf Wajdi did not go into specifics, but his remarks come after senior party leaders have been charged in court with graft offences.
On Aug 27, former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was charged with failing to declare assets following a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigation.
On Wednesday, former Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim was charged with bribery.
Abdul Azeez and former Islamic affairs minister Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom have also been remanded to help investigations into alleged mismanagement at the troubled pilgrims fund.
The opening ceremony of the Umno general assembly on Friday saw the attendance of Abdul Azeez and Jamil Khir, who recited the prayer for the event.
Asyraf Wajdi has faced calls to resign as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman over his alleged link to a problematic Tabung Haji hotel lease deal. He has rejected such calls.
Asyraf Wajdi said the party would face trials and difficulties, and likened Umno’s resilience to fighters who continue to stand despite being caught in a storm.
He also took aim at those who have allowed “temporary” political power to affect their judgment and conduct.
“What has happened recently also reminds us how some people, merely with temporary power, have lost their judgment, and when they quarrel or become enemies, they act beyond their limits,” he said.
“They thought that by persecuting and humiliating us, we would become weak. They are mistaken. We are Umno fighters. We are Malay fighters,” he added.
Asyraf’s remarks come at a time when relations between Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have reportedly grown strained ahead of the next general election, which must be held by early 2028.
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