[UPDATED] Zahid to chair Umno emergency meet with division leaders later

KUALA LUMPUR – The emergency meeting with Umno division chiefs has been delayed to 5.30pm today to allow president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to chair it after his hearing wraps up at the high court today.

Supreme Council member and Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the meeting is to discuss “current issues” and that it will resume in the evening.

An aide to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, meanwhile, confirmed that the prime minister did not attend the meeting this morning. 

The meeting, which started at 11am, was chaired by deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan before Zahid dropped by and left when court resumed at 2.30pm.

Zahid had to attend his Yayasan Akalbudi corruption trial at the high court here.

Last night, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan sent out an invitation calling for all 191 divisional leaders to meet to discuss a “very important matter affecting the party’s future”.

It is believed to be called by Zahid and Mohamad.

According to sources, it refers to former president Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s ongoing legal troubles.

Among those seen arriving were vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Terengganu chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, Melaka chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Tan Sri Shahrir Samad.

Party insiders also indicated that another matter on the table is the littoral combat ship controversy, which will impact the party’s image ahead of the general election.

This comes after three senior leaders of the party – Zahid, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Najib – are implicated in the project.

Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno vice-president, yesterday denied that he was waiting for the conclusion of Zahid’s corruption trial before calling for a general election. – The Vibes, August 22, 2022