“We saw what happened when there was a ‘court cluster’, a ‘Putrajaya cluster’ (and) a ‘PWTC cluster’,” said Johari, alluding to Umno’s poor showing in the 15th general election (GE15), when the party won a mere 26 seats.

In an interview with Utusan Malaysia, Johari said it was “illogical” that a party of Umno’s size could lose seats to smaller parties. He attributed the poor showing to infighting within the party leadership.

The party belongs to all its 3.5 million members, not to its leaders, he said.

“We cannot have Umno leaders fighting among themselves.  The people are watching us,” he said.

When leaders are attacked, their supporters become demoralised, said Johari.

That is bound to affect the party and is something that must be avoided, he added.

“We must stay united and look after each other. Let’s resolve any unhappiness in the Supreme Council or at the party’s political bureau,” said Johari.

He called on Umno to cease all infighting so that the party can work towards winning back public support and regaining lost seats.

Members must heed party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s call to “forgive, forget, and rebuild Umno”, said Johari.

“Party elections are over. The time has come for us to unite under the current leadership.

“Each party leader has his and her own strengths. To succeed, let us put aside our egos and combine our strengths,”he said.