JOHOR Umno has thrown its support behind party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, saying he need not go on leave pending the completion of his court cases.

State liaison chief Hasni Mohammad said the chapter agreed to back Zahid in a closed-door meeting today, despite differences in opinion raised.

“We in Johor hope the president will still lead Umno to face anyone or anything that faces us.

“I guarantee that Johor Umno will continue working together with the president. This is the birthplace of Umno, and surely, it will not be the end of the party,” he said during the president’s meeting with the chapter’s leadership.

Hasni urged Zahid not to be offended by the views aired by certain division leaders, saying the state Umno’s leadership is known to be outspoken.

“The president should be open enough to accept any form of criticism or views from Umno divisions in Johor.

“Their outspokenness is normal in meetings, so the president should not feel hurt as we are one big happy family in Johor.”

Johor is Zahid’s sixth stop in a nationwide roadshow to explain the graft charges he has been slapped with.

The Youth wing had called on Zahid to go on leave until his court cases are wrapped up.

However, the proposal was not entertained at the Umno Supreme Council meeting yesterday, which saw party leaders agreeing that Zahid should remain as president while he fights the charges against him.

The former deputy prime minister is facing 45 charges, for criminal breach of trust, bribery and money laundering, involving RM114 million.

The funds allegedly belonged to charity foundation Yayasan Akalbudi, of which he is a trustee, and were for projects awarded when he was home minister in the previous Barisan Nasional government.

Zahid today said the Supreme Council meeting discussed his status in the party, and decided he should stay as president.

“The meeting yesterday discussed if I should go on leave, but the decision made was that I should continue in my role as president.”

He previously said the matter was not discussed, but views were shared. – November 10, 2018.