'2018 AGM speech becomes reality, Umno has returned to power’ - Zahid

 

Umno's desire to reclaim Putrajaya as it had stated during its 2018 annual general assembly has finally become a reality, said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Taking to social media, the party’s president expressed gratitude to all party leaders, grassroots members and supporters for believing in his commitment made in September 2018, four months after the defeat of the BN coalition in the 14th general election.

"We are always ready to lead the government if anything happens to the current administration. That was what I said in my speech at the assembly three years ago.

"Today, it has become reality. Alhamdulillah. Thanks to all the party leaders, members and supporters who believed in the commitment," added Zahid.

In his policy speech then, Zahid firmly stated that Umno was the better option as the government and vowed to return to power in the near future, be it before or after the 15th general election.

"Be assured that the dark cloud above the sky would disappear. If we are strong and united, we will surely rise. If we manage to face the political landscape today, we would come back strong," he had said.

Pakatan Harapan administration was toppled in February 2019 in a political coup dubbed as the Sheraton Move after Bersatu quit the ruling coalition which resulted in the exodus of 11 PKR MPs led by its former deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali.

However, Umno severed its ties with Bersatu despite its members being appointed to the cabinet of former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Since then, it had been a numbers game, and Muhyiddin was forced to resign as prime minister after losing his majority when 15 Umno MPs, including Zahid, withdrew their support.

Yesterday, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also Umno vice-president, was sworn in as the ninth prime minister to replace Muhyiddin.

Meanwhile, on Umno’s next goal, Zahid said the party would push for the 15th general election to be held after the Covid-19 situation in the country is under control.

"That is Umno's next struggle - a 15th general election after the pandemic is contained - that's the real goal.

"The purpose is none other for the religion, race and nation. It’s for the sake of returning the prosperity of people and the glory of Malaysia," he concluded. - Mkini