KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will remain Umno president until early 2023 following the 18-month postponement of party polls.
The postponement has been confirmed by Supreme Council member and Umno election director Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, reported Sinar Harian.
He was quoted as saying that a majority of the Supreme Council members had agreed to the postponement last week, where a “circular resolution” was carried out online.
“Only two did not sign the resolution.”
He added that the party constitution allows for a maximum postponement of 18 months from June 30 onwards.
“The decision was made without coercion, but taking into consideration current circumstances.”
He said the party is focused on providing aid to those who are reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Umno is taking the stand to put aside politics, instead focus on helping the people. I would like to remind my fellow Supreme Council members and division chiefs to put the people first.”
In recent months, Zahid has been faced with calls to hold party polls, especially from factions not aligned with him.
He was elected as Umno president in June 2018 and his term is set to expire at the end of this month. He successfully fought off challenges mooted by Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Khairy Jamaludddin, among others. – The Vibes, June 27, 2021
