KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin has called on president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to resign ahead of the 15th general election to prevent the party’s defeat in the polls.
Utusan Malaysia reported that the deputy communications and multimedia minister issued the demand in view of Zahid’s multiple corruption charges, which are a blow to Umno’s image.
“If he (Zahid) is a gentleman who has a good heart and is strong of spirit, he should tender his resignation. This is better for Umno.
“Right now, many people are confident in Umno being their source of hope. But with a president who is facing corruption charges in court, can Umno secure public support?”
The Padang Besar MP said Zahid should take note of past Umno leaders, such as former Melaka chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik, former rural and regional development minister Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib and former Selangor menteri besar Mohamad Khir Toyo, who stepped down the moment they were charged in court.
Zahid has been holding meetings with Supreme Council members and Umno MPs to convince them that leaving Perikatan Nasional is critical for the party’s survival.
However, it appears that his plan is facing a lot of resistance, seeing that a number of lawmakers, particularly those aligned with the Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob-Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein cabinet faction, refuse to abandon Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Another obstacle is the appointment of Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri as deputy prime minister and Foreign Minister Hishammuddin’s promotion as a senior minister.
Ismail Sabri will retain his defence portfolio, while Hishammuddin takes over the former’s duties in relation to the security cluster. – The Vibes, July 7, 2021
