The issue of selling 30 percent of MAHB shares to GIP, owned by BlackRock, has put UMNO in a paradoxical situation that could lead to internal division.
UMNO Youth Chief, Dr. Akmal Saleh, recently emphasized the wing's stance against the sale of MAHB shares.
Then, UMNO Deputy President, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, expressed his position that steps that would anger Malays and Muslims should not be taken.
Before that, UMNO Supreme Council Member, Datuk Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi, also criticized the move while urging the Madani Government to make a U-turn.
Grassroots leaders, including Batu UMNO Division Chief Gulam Muszaffar and Langkawi UMNO Division Chief Datuk Nazifuddin Najib, also questioned the rationale behind the Madani Government's decision.
Grassroots members, of course, strongly oppose the effort that would result in a foreign company, a staunch supporter of Zionists, having an interest in MAHB, which controls the country's entry points.
Unfortunately, UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has a different stance and expressed support for the Madani Government's awkward step.
In fact, he stated yesterday that Tok Mat's statement was a personal opinion and did not represent UMNO.
Is Zahid experiencing severe hallucinations to the point that he cannot understand the grassroots' concerns on this issue?
Perhaps Zahid has forgotten that UMNO once promised to continue voicing the interests of Malays and Islam in the Unity Government.
Has that promise been discarded, just like the sacred oath 'No Anwar, No DAP, No Bersatu' that was proclaimed at the 2021 UMNO General Assembly?
It is true that Zahid is very loyal to his political mentor, but a significant portion of UMNO grassroots is not with him on this matter.
They have shown silent protest in six state elections, which saw UMNO achieving the most embarrassing result in its history.
If Zahid is no longer able to move in step with the grassroots, it is best for him to step down honorably and make way for a more capable leader to lead the party.
There is no need to wait until the 16th General Election to do so because by then, it might be too late to restore UMNO, which has been severely damaged.
UMNO might even cease to exist if the party enters the 16th General Election with Zahid as its President.
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