[UPDATED] GE15: Zahidi confirms Umno’s picks to contest must sign SDs

KUALA LUMPUR – Despite denials by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin has affirmed the existence of statutory declarations (SDs) given to those with candidate appointment letters (watikah).

This comes amid speculation that Umno leaders not aligned with Zahid will be dropped as candidates for the general election. 

Among them are Zahidi, Selangor Umno chief Tan Sri Noh Omar, incumbents Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (Pasir Salak), Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (Tenggara), and Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique (Kota Tinggi).

Zahidi told a local news portal that “it is true, we must sign SDs”.

“I don’t know what the SDs are for. Perhaps in support of Zahid as prime minister. Or maybe the SDs are to ensure that they follow and are loyal to his every instruction.”

The portal also quoted a Selangor Umno chief that Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates are given SDs to sign by Zahid.

“That is correct. We have to kiss Zahid’s feet before we can become candidates,” the source was quoted as saying.

Zahid earlier today denied demanding that those with watikah must sign documents backing him to form the next cabinet should BN win 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 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, including Tan Sri Annuar Musa (Ketereh), Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau), Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif (Jempol), and Datuk Seri Ismail Abdul Muttalib (Maran).

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