Cracks widening in Umno? (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Cracks continue to appear in Umno with the recent exit of two of its stalwarts, former International Trade and Industry minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and former Foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.
Mustapa said he quit because he felt that Umno's direction was no longer in line with the political principles he upheld while Anifah, who is Kimanis MP, said in Kota Kinabalu today he quit in the interest of Sabah rights.
He said if he remained in Umno, he would be subject to the party whip to vote against any bill the current government tables to restore Sabah's rights, and if he votes against the party whip, he would face disciplinary action.
A list of 17 senior party leaders who are expected to resign from the party has gone viral following a two-hour meeting between former Umno vice-president and Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Putrajaya on Tuesday.
Among the names on the list are Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (Besut MP), Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau MP), Datuk Mohd Nizar Zakaria (Parit MP), Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin (Kangar MP) and Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad (Mersing MP).
Shahidan, who was former Perlis Umno chief, did not dismiss the possibility of more MPs from Umno quitting soon, saying he had heard that several MPs were planning to leave the party.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin confirmed his meeting with Mahathir, but said it was merely to get the premier's input on his plans for the nation's future, and had nothing to do with him quitting Umno.
Among other Umno MPs whose names are on the list, but who have denied intent to leave, are Jempol MP Datuk Mohd Salim Sharif and Jelebu MP Datuk Jalaluddin Alias. Mohd Salim said there was no truth in the rumour, while Jalaluddin said he would never betray the trust given to him by voters.
Three Umno MPs who had earlier quit the party after its disastrous showing in the 14th general election were Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal and Bagan Serai MP Datuk Noor Azmi Ghazali.
Meanwhile, responding to Mustapa's departure, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin hit out at party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Twitter on Tuesday, saying: "I have been vocal in cautioning my party against this alliance with PAS, and I bore the brunt of attacks from within. Now, we have lost a leading light of our party. A brilliant and good man. This is on you, Mr Presiden."
Anifah and Khairy, who is Rembau MP, had remained seated in the Dewan Rakyat while other opposition MPs staged a walkout in protest after former judge Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof was sworn in as Dewan Rakyat speaker.
Ahmad Zahid urged Umno members to remain strong and have faith in its leaders, saying they should be sincere and show their fighting spirit to ensure the continuity of the party's struggles.
"Leaving the party at a time (when) Umno is being tested isn't a characteristic that can be praised or made an example of," he said in a statement today, adding that the resignations of Mustapa and Anifah were regrettable, and expressed hope that the resignations would not weaken or cripple Umno.
He said alleged weaknesses mentioned by those who have resigned from the party was not fair to voters who cast their ballots based on the trust placed on Umno.
"The excuse of the party being weak due to personal agenda is something that is unreasonable," said Ahmad Zahid, who is Bagan Datuk MP.
Umno deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan meanwhile said the party's supreme council was very concerned over this recent development.
"Over the past four months, the process of forming a clear direction for Umno and reforming the party post GE-14 has not been as fast, progressive and radical as desired by all parties.
"This issue will be given serious attention and priority to ensure that Umno does not appear to be a party without direction or a party which has deviated from its course," he added.