AHMAD Zahid Hamidi today announced that he was ending his leave and will assume his position as Umno president with immediate effect.

He said this was possible as he is an elected party president, and had not been appointed.

“I can no longer stand seeing the people being lied to and insulted.

“So, beginning today, I am officially resuming my duties as Umno president,” he said.

Zahid had been on leave from the top post for six months, with deputy president Mohamad Hasan carrying out the responsibilities of the president in his stead.

The former deputy prime minister made the announcement at an Aidilfitri event in Sg Sumun, Perak, coinciding with the first anniversary of Zahid’s election as party president. 

“Because today is exactly one year after I was elected, not appointed, by Umno delegates from 191 divisions throughout the country, it is very significant and important to me,” Bernama reported Zahid as saying.

“Therefore, today, June 30, 2019, I would like to announce that I have ended my leave as Umno president today.” 

Bernama said the announcement was also streamed live on his Facebook page.

Zahid began his leave on December 18 last year following accusations he was unable to steer the party following the defections of Umno leaders and elected reps.

Zahid also faces 87 criminal charges for corruption, money laundering and criminal breach of trust.

It was previously reported that Zahid was seeking feedback from the ground before deciding on whether to return to his duties as president.

Yesterday, former party president Najib Razak had said Zahid did not need the approval of the Umno Supreme Council to resume his duties.

He said the party constitution states that Zahid was still rightfully the head of the party as he was elected to the position.

“Zahid had made the decision himself to go on garden leave. It is up to him whether he wants to come back. 

“Going by the party constitution, Zahid has the right to lead Umno as he was given the mandate. The mandate is still there.

“If he wished to return to his duties as president, he does not need the approval of the Supreme Council,” he had said after his Aidilfitri open house celebrations in Shah Alam last night. – June 30, 2019.