Johor Umno leaders to pressure Zahid into taking leave

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi may have left today's supreme council meeting with a smile, but his trip to Johor tomorrow may not be as pleasant.

Sources have told Malaysiakini that Johor Umno leaders meeting Zahid tomorrow will be pressuring him to go on leave as president, pending the outcome of his corruption trial.

One division leader, who declined to be named, claimed that more than half of Johor Umno divisions would be speaking out against Zahid.

"More than half of the division leaders have confirmed that they would be advising Zahid to go on leave tomorrow.

"If he is found not guilty before the next party election, then he can resume his post.

"It's like a general in war. If the general is wounded by the enemy, then we have to find a new general," the division leader said.

Meanwhile, Johor Umno veteran Jais Sarday also hinted that a showdown with Zahid may occur tomorrow.

"Wait and see," the Kluang Umno chief said without giving any details.

Zahid was slapped with 45 charges of money laundering, accepting graft, and criminal breach of trust last month.

Following the charges, there were calls for him to take leave, including from Umno Youth.

Zahid, however, has rejected such calls saying Umno should focus on the future and winning the 15th general election instead.

His meeting with Johor Umno tomorrow is part of his tour around the country to revive the party's spirits in order to achieve its goal of becoming the federal government again. - Mkini