Speaking during the debate on Najib Razak’s presidential address, Permatang Pauh division chief Mohd Zaidi Said called Jamal’s gimmicks “crazy”.
However, he said he wanted Jamal to continue his “crazy” struggle to pressure the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Selangor government to help Umno recapture the state in the 14th general election (GE14).
Still, Mohd Zaidi appeared to withhold his total approval for his compatriot’s actions, saying Jamal acted in his personal capacity and he did not represent the attitude of other Umno divisional heads.
“If everything Jamal did is viewed as reflective of the attitude of other Umno division heads, this would limit our options to act against extreme behaviour.
“We don’t do things like that, but let Jamal alone do it,” he added.
Mohd Zaidi said the opposition were often quick to point the finger at Umno because of the actions of an individual member but always denied their party’s responsibility when it involved their own individual members.
“That is not fair,” he added.
Jamal has courted fame and notoriety in Selangor with his political stunts.
Most recently, he burned effigies of former minister Zaid Ibrahim who was alleged to have insulted the Selangor Sultan over the ruler’s criticism of PH chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Before that, Jamal turned up at the state secretariat in Shah Alam clad only in a towel and carrying a dipper to highlight a water supply cut.