AHMAD Zahid Hamidi, who is expected to be detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today, will still remain Umno president, said Annuar Musa.

The Umno secretary-general said even if Zahid is charged tomorrow, it is still too early to determine anything.

“I think it’s too early. If he is charged, it is expected to be a bailable offence. So, his position is unaffected. He is still the Umno president,” Annuar said when asked on Zahid’s position as opposition leader and party president at the Parliament lobby today.

Yesterday, Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Noor Adam said Zahid has been notified to present himself at the MACC’s headquarters today at 3pm.

According to Lokman, the Umno president is expected to be arrested today and charged tomorrow.

“The notice is to go to MACC to assist with the investigation. Whether he will be charged or not, that is just speculation.”

The former deputy prime minister was summoned to the MACC headquarters for three consecutive days last week over investigations into a family run charitable foundation, Yayasan Akal Budi, which he chairs.

Meanwhile, another Supreme Council member, Jalaluddin Alias, said the allegations against Zahid are aimed at humiliating the party.

He said the move gave the perception that the former deputy prime minister was not trustworthy.

“It is also an effort to shame other Umno leaders like Najib (Razak) and another Umno Supreme Council member, Azeez Rahim.

“However, I am confident Malaysians will not be influenced by the government’s intentions because Zahid has always defended the people, regardless of race.

“He is always helping the people across the country in his capacity as a number two person and even chaired the cabinet committee aimed at helping the people,” the Jelebu MP said in a statement.

Jalaluddin added that the government should focus on developing the country in the interests of the people who are complaining of unemployment and high cost of living. – October 18, 2018.