Zahid was speaking about the government of the day and making a point that, although the government was led by an Umno vice-president (Ismail), it was not a Barisan Nasional government.

Ismail was not present at today’s gathering at Umno’s headquarters, at which Zahid was conducting a briefing for members. Ismail was in Pahang attending the launch of a national digitisation programme for the retail sector.

However, he attended a meeting of the Umno Supreme Council at party headquarters tonight.

Zahid urged Umno leaders to firmly stand by the party’s principles, which he said are also upheld by the majority of party members.

“Remember that we are all here (in positions of power) not due to our own greatness, but because of our party’s strength.

“Many leaders seem great, but the fact is that they’re in power only due to the party’s support,” he said.

Former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, who is defence minister in Ismail’s Cabinet, also reminded Umno members of the importance of staying united, especially in the run-up to the coming general election.

“Those inside the hall are all party members, but at the end of the day, the fate of the party lies in the hands of the people.

“The people will decide the fate of the party, and the fate of the party will determine the nation’s future,” he said.

Today’s special briefing was announced on Wednesday, with invitations to divisional leaders. Party secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said the briefing would be about “current issues”. He did not give details.

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