[UPDATED] Zahid wants ‘war cabinet’ to oversee recovery

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged party members to set aside their differences and close ranks, following the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister.

In a statement, the Bagan Datuk MP also said MPs should stop betraying the party and ensure that political stability and cooperation can be reached.

“I wish to urge all Umno members and leadership at all levels to set aside all differences and return to cohesion for the sake of the people and nation’s agenda,” he said.

Zahid’s statement came after Muhyiddin announced his resignation during a special address this afternoon. The resignation comes after at least 15 Umno MPs withdrew support for Muhyiddin and the Perikatan Nasional government in recent weeks.

The Umno president said the resignation should be treated as a lesson, and urged all parties to look forward and focus on the well-being of the people and country.

To avoid a prolonged crisis, Zahid proposed the immediate formation of a stable government focused on tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and managing the people’s well-being.

He said a “war cabinet” focused on national recovery should be formed, adding that the 15th general election can be held once the country has reached herd immunity in order to return the mandate to the people.

On the graft charges he faces, Zahid said he could not hide his feelings about the accusations flung at him throughout the current political impasse.

“In the people’s interest, please know that it never crossed my mind to name myself as a candidate for prime minister, although I head the largest party,” he said.

“Therefore, Umno, as a party with wide experience in administering the government, will consider several candidates. I hope to get the cooperation and support of all MPs.” – The Vibes, August 16, 2021