Zahid’s return will just mess up Umno’s revival, say party leaders

Nabihah Hamid Nabihah Hamid Updated 6 years ago · Published on 3 Jul 2019 7:00AM · 4 Comments

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaking to his supporters as the arrives at the Kuala Lumpur court complex on June 26. Some Umno leaders say his return as president will affect the party's efforts to regain support. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, July 3, 2019.

THE return of Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as party president will not help Umno regain the support it is slowly trying to recoup, said its leaders.

Zahid’s return has put the brakes on his deputy Mohamad Hassan’s efforts in restoring the party’s image, especially after Umno won three by-elections, they said.

The leaders said that efforts to revive the party’s fortunes will now be derailed especially after Mohamad did a good job in bringing back support among the grassroots. 

Umno Youth exco Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris said Zahid’s presence will make it difficult to change people’s perception of the party, especially that of the younger generation.

“It is not going to help Umno leaders who are in the midst of preparing for the 15th general election. For example we have to answer youngsters, especially those who are non-Umno members, questions on Zahid.

“While there are those who agree with this (Zahid’s return), younger members as well as non-members want a new face.

“They do not want a leader who has numerous charges to answer. Guilty or not, that is secondary. Some have spoken up out of their love for Umno,” Wan Muhammad, also known as Papagomo told The Malaysian Insight.

Zahid went on leave in December to put a stop to the wave of Umno lawmakers leaving the party.

The Bagan Datoh MP is facing 87 charges of corruption, money-laundering, criminal breach of trust and abuse of power.

Wan Muhammad said Zahid could have returned to avenge himself for being mistreated by Pakatan Harapan.

“I think he is angry with the charges slapped on him by the government.

“If it involved an Umno member, they will have to pay the price. But if it is a case involving a Pakatan Harapan leader such as Lim Guan Eng’s bungalow scandal… it will be  covered up.

“What about the sex video involving a PKR leader? Even after the person has admitted to it, there is still no case?,” he questioned.

An Umno Supreme Council member who refused to be named said he is worried about Zahid’s presence as it will further deteriorate the situation in the party as he is not favoured by the grassroots.

“He returned when the cases against him have not been resolved. The grassroots in my area are not in favour of his return because they have seen Tok Mat’s (deputy president Mohamad Hassan) efforts in lifting Umno up,” said the Supreme Council member who is also a lawmaker.

Mohamad, who assumed the role of acting head during Zahid’s absence, has garnered more support for the party after leading it to victory in the Semenyih, Cameron Highlands and Rantau by-elections.

Another Supreme Council leader said Zahid has the right to resume his duties because he was elected as president.

“It is his right to return to duty. Only certain quarters have been kicking up a fuss about it. He can lead Umno as he has yet to be proven guilty,” he said. – July 3, 2019.

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Comments

  • Zahid should just resign as President of UMNO. He is going to mess up UMNO again.

    Posted 6 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

  • Only a 'well resourced' person is able to manage the party. Please continue to lead, Mr Z.

    Posted 6 years ago by C D · Reply

  • Things wont move an inch if Jibby doesnt ask it to be moved that shows how much wield of power he has even he seem to be on the outside looking inside. They both sense they would be part of dumno history since Tok Mat is doing a wonderful job, it clearly shows yet again self interest is deep rooted within these two souls than the party they claimed to love so much. You can forget about moral values in this two, as they have none what so ever. Just like the previous GE this two particularly and their cohorts refuse to adhere and acknowledging the writing on the walls. Malaysian has casted its vote and made their choice loud and clear, unfortunately dumno are still yearning for power which they have abused to the maximum while in charge of this nation. If a grand father is accused of raping or a father is being accused of bank robbery just imaging how the impact it has towards their family members but dumno members felt nothing cause they have been spoon fed whereby they cant tell the different between right and wrong anymore, such a pathetic group you are.

    Posted 6 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply

  • MH and KJ can lead better anytime! At least they are relatively CLEAN!

    Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply