Use Party Channels For Disputes, Azalina Tells UMNO Members

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- UMNO members and leaders who are unhappy with any issue should use party channels, including lodging reports with the Disciplinary Board, said its Information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Azalina, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), said UMNO has long-established systems to handle disciplinary matters since its formation in 1946.

“If anyone is dissatisfied, they can report to the Disciplinary Board. UMNO is a party with traditions, and issues are usually resolved through discussions,” she told reporters after attending the Monthly Assembly and Jalur Gemilang Flag-Raising Ceremony here today.

She was responding to questions on the dispute between UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and Supreme Council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam.

Muhamad Akmal had reportedly challenged Lokman to confront him either through legal action or in person, following claims that he was pushing for Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein to be made prime minister.

On a letter from Kapar UMNO Youth urging the Disciplinary Board to act against Lokman for allegedly breaching party ethics, Azalina said the matter could be raised through party discussions.

“UMNO practises democracy. Criticism, disagreement or support are all part of democracy. As an old party, UMNO has leaders and members with different views. If the issue is serious, it can be brought to the Supreme Council meeting,” she said.

-- BERNAMA