AHMAD Zahid Hamidi has the right to return to his duties as Umno president in accordance with the party’s constitution, said Hishammuddin Hussein.

“As per the party’s constitution, Zahid has the right to return to lead the party. To me the decision made was his right,” he told reporters at Parliament’s lobby.

However, he said the return of Zahid, who went on leave in December, should not affect the party’s solid footing, which was built over the last year.

Asked if Zahid will also take over from Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the opposition leader in Parliament, the Sembrong MP said that the matter was for the party to decide.

“That you have to ask the party. We have a system which they have to go through. And basically people have to decide among themselves,” he said.

However, Hishammuddin said he is ready to share his views of the matter, if it is sought.

“Let it be a party matter… What I want to see is (improvements) on national issues… no point having a high position in the party if our economy doesn’t move,” said the former Umno vice-president and former minister

“I want to see the party solid. We are in a good position right now compared to last year.”

He said it is important for the party to focus on staying united and not let Zahid’s return turn into a bone of contention.

On whether the party should remain on its current direction, Hishammuddin said the matter is best left to Umno’s leadership.

He also said the government should stop harping on the past government’s misdeeds and focus on growing the economy.

“The economy is static and not moving at all… crude palm oil prices are low, I see the settlers are still suffering.

“It’s been a year if they’re still saying the moves are being planned. I’m concerned about the public,” Hishammuddin.

He said he is concerned that the government will not be able to execute its plans, especially in the climate of an uncertain economic condition, and with a slow inflow of foreign direct investment.

He said the country is not in such a bad state as portrayed by the government and has the potential to grow.

Hishamuddin added that the priority should be on growing the economy instead and the welfare of the people instead of fighting for posts. – July 1, 2019.