ISMAIL Sabri Yaakob will remain as parliamentary opposition leader, said Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said this to dismiss reports that he would assume the position upon his return from leave yesterday to helm Umno again.

Zahid said there is a separation of power between him, his deputy Mohamad Hassan and Umno vice-presidents Ismail and Mahdzir Khalid.

He said he had sought the agreement of all opposition MP’s to let Ismail Sabri remain as opposition head.

“My priority is to see Umno being continuously accepted by the people and remains relevant in the political landscape despite the issues it is facing and the allegations hurled against the party and its leadership.

“We will face this collectively.”

Commenting on the 87 criminal charges against him, he said that the cases have nothing to do with the party.

“Let me handle the 87 charges against me as a personal matter in court.

“It does not involve Umno as a political entity. I have left it to my team of lawyers to handle it.”

“My priority is to see Umno being continuously accepted by the people and remains relevant in the political landscape despite the issues it is facing and the allegations hurled against the party and its leadership.

“We will face this collectively.”

He said the allegations would not deter him from continuing his duties as Umno president and as an MP. – July 1, 2019.