UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the decision to appoint those who lost in the party’s election to certain positions is part of an effort to strengthen the party.

“Those who won, didn’t win it all, those who lost, did not lose all, so this inclusiveness is to strengthen the party, which in the eyes of others, is in a state of chaos.

“Decisions were made at the division, Youth, Puteri, Wanita and national levels. I see a new wave and I have to be with them to build new strength in Umno and bring together the leaders at every level,” he said.

Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, was speaking to reporters after attending his ministry’s Ramadan event at Masjid Batu 8, Gombak North today.

The first meeting of the Umno Supreme Council on Wednesday decided that Shahrizat Abdul Jalil be appointed as an Umno Supreme council member, as well as the chairman of the Women and Family Affairs Council.

Also announced was the appointment of Mahdzir Khalid as chairman of the Kedah Umno liaison body and Reezal Merican Naina Merican as Umno elections department chief.

Shahrizat lost in the contest for the Wanita chief’s post, while Mahdzir and Reezal Merican lost in the vice-presidential race.

The Umno elections held last Saturday saw Dr Noraini Ahmad retain the Wanita chief’s post while the three vice president posts were won by Johari Abdul Ghani, Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Mohamed Khaled Nordin. – Bernama, March 24, 2023.