GE15: Zahid dismisses claims he told Umno candidates to sign letters backing him for PM as ‘lies’

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied demanding for those with candidate appointment letters (watikah) to sign documents backing him to form the next cabinet should Barisan Nasional win the general election (GE15).

When asked about the matter outside the court complex here, he said “it is lies”.

He was in court for his Yayasan Akalbudi corruption trial, reported The Edge.

Yesterday, sources told The Vibes that incumbent Umno MPs aligned to caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will not be nominated to contest.

Sources said the replacement candidates who have been given candidate appointment letters were also asked to sign letters supporting Zahid by giving him the mandate to form the next cabinet, should Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) win the election.

This includes backing Zahid to negotiate with other political parties and to appoint MPs of his choice as cabinet members, effectively positioning him as the prime minister candidate, according to party insiders.

If BN wins the most seats in GE15, Zahid – as head of the coalition – can be invited by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to form the next government, in line with the federal constitution.

“He is going state by state presenting the ‘surat watikah’,” said an Umno source.

“However, accepting the ‘surat watikah’ is conditional on them (the candidates to be named) signing a pledge of allegiance to the president and giving him the mandate to form the government, if Umno-BN wins the election,” said the source.

The Vibes earlier reported that several of Umno’s old guard not aligned with Zahid will not make the cut for GE15.

These include Selangor Umno chief Tan Sri Noh Omar and incumbents such as Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (Pasir Salak), Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (Tenggara), and Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique (Kota Tinggi).

It is learnt that former Johor menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin will be fielded in Kota Tinggi, while Tenggara Umno Youth chief Manndzri Nasib, will contest in Tenggara. Manndzri is said to be Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan’s strongman.

Others said to be on the chop list are Tan Sri Annuar Musa (Ketereh), Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau), Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin (Padang Besar), Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif (Jempol), and Datuk Seri Ismail Abdul Muttalib (Maran).

Zahid is expected to announce election candidates tonight at Dewan Tun Hussein Onn here.

Zahid faces corruption charges, with one case involving funds from charity foundation Yayasan Akalbudi ongoing, and another involving a company handling visas – which is pending an appeal by the prosecution against his acquittal. – The Vibes, November 1, 2022