SELANGOR Umno will discuss its stand on party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is under pressure to quit, once leaders return from their break, said state liaison chief Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“We can’t discuss it now because many party leaders in Selangor are away on umrah and holiday. Once they are back, we will have the meeting, for sure,” he told a press conference in Shah Alam today.

The Umno vice-present reiterated the state chapter’s loyalty to the party, but said the president’s status must be discussed.

“As of now, there is no decision yet. We are still with Umno. As for the president, we will have to discuss it in a meeting.”

The Youth wing of the Alor Star and Ampang divisions has called on Zahid to step down over his weak leadership and attempts to forge alliances with Pakatan Harapan parties.

Selangor Umno deputy liaison chief Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan yesterday said the state leadership will not stop divisions from tabling motions calling for Zahid’s resignation.

Ismail Sabri, commenting on a similar call made by Sg Besar Umno division chief Jamal Yunos, said the party is open to criticism from members.

“We practise democracy. Anyone can say anything. But we will decide in the meeting. Jamal or whoever can express their displeasure.”

Other prominent Umno members who have voiced support for Zahid’s resignation include vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who said the president can be removed if divisions call for an extraordinary general meeting.

Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin recently said it is time for the president to step down.

Zahid, meanwhile, said only delegates at the annual general meeting can remove him from the post. – December 17, 2018.