Anantha Raman Govindasamy of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said he believed members would conform, but Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk said dissent would not be stifled.
Anantha told FMT he saw the Pasir Salak MP’s removal as a warning shot, that those failing to adhere to council’s decisions would be in trouble.
The Umno grassroots desired such obedience, he said. “They want a unified party, not a factionalised one for GE15.”
He also said the grassroots would appreciate a strong leader in the party and that Tajuddin’s removal would strengthen Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s position as president.
Azeem said it would be impossible to expect everyone to toe the line as there would be members who would continue to speak up.
He noted that federal ministers Annuar Musa and Khairy Jamaluddin had openly opposed Zahid.
“There are already dissenting voices within the party, which will create factionalised politics,” he said.
He also said it would be inaccurate to say that Zahid would have total control over the party since he is not the prime minister.
Tajuddin was removed from the Supreme Council last week. Zahid said he was dropped for being critical of the party. He did not elaborate.
He also said all decisions finalised by the party’s leadership must be complied with although Supreme Council members were allowed to differ in their opinions.
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