Former Umno strongman Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah today appear to dismiss repeated claims that there is a plot to "topple the government".
"You need the military to do that. Normal people can't topple the government," Tengku Razaleigh told reporters when met at a Hari Raya open house event in Kuala Lumpur today.
Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that an Umno leader was behind a plot to "topple the government".
He said the plan involved securing statutory declarations from opposition and some BN MPs to state they have the majority in the Dewan Rakyat and "topple" the government through the "back door".
Tengku Razaleigh was repeatedly quizzed by reporters on this after it was established that he met former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday.
He said that there nothing was insidious about this meeting as he regularly meets people, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Although "toppling" the government was out of the question, Tengku Razaleigh said that MPs can act within the confines of the Federal Constitution and table a vote of no confidence against Najib in Parliament.
"It can be done. The rules allow for it. That is the only thing that can be done by any groups," said Tengku Razaleigh, in reply to a question.
"It is not unusual. Anyone who is unhappy can bring the motion (to the Dewan Rakyat). If the numbers are achieved, then the person will succeed. If not, then nothing (will happen)."
PM Najib and Ku Li
Reporter: Are u behind the plot to topple Najib?
Tengku Razaleigh: What do you think?
Reporter: There is a claim that an Umno leader is going around obtaining SDs...
Tengku Razaleigh: These are all Umno people [pointing to guests at his home] around here. And here I am.
Reporter: So you are not aware (of the plot)?
Tengku Razaleigh: I don't think so
Reporter: So you don't think there is a plot?
Tengku Razaleigh: There might be (a plot). Maybe not.
Reporter: So it is news to you?
Tengku Razaleigh: Yeah.
When told that Umno appears split in two and that history was repeating himself, Tengku Razaleigh said he was unaware of this.
"I'm not following (what's going on). But I am concerned... The people are facing problems now.
"Now that the cabinet has been reshuffled, I hope they will work hard for the people," he said.
Tengku Razaleigh headed what was then known as "Team B" in an attempt to oust Dr Mahathir as Umno president back in 1987, which ultimately resulted in Umno being de-registered as a party.
Following this, Tengku Razaleigh led a splinter party known as Semangat 46 and achieved moderate electoral success. He re-joined Umno and buried the hatchet with Mahathir in 1996. - M'kini
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