Embattled Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has rejected Johor Umno leaders' request for him to consider going on leave, pending the outcome of his corruption trial.
A source who was present in a meeting between division leaders and Zahid at the party's state office today told Malaysiakini that the president was adamant about helming Umno, although half of those who had the opportunity to speak up suggested otherwise.
"Due to time constraint, only six division leaders managed to voice their opinions. Three of them conveyed the grassroots’ request for Zahid to go on leave.
"They had highlighted the importance of Zahid going on leave but it seemed that he held onto his decision to stay," he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.
He added that the atmosphere during the meeting became slightly tense when several leaders spoke up in Zahid’s defence.
However, he likened the situation to a normal occurrence during a discussion among family members.
He said Zahid spent most of the time explaining his situation and the charges he was currently facing, and that only several leaders were allowed to speak up as Zahid had other programmes to attend.
The source said some grassroot members are expected to continue pushing for Zahid to vacate his position.
"We ask Zahid to consider this seriously. For us, it's not about him being right or wrong, but we think that it's better for him to focus on the charges that he's currently facing," he said.
Zahid was slapped with 45 charges of money laundering, receiving gratification, and criminal breach of trust last month.
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 today was part of his nationwide tour to rally the party in order to achieve its goal of becoming the federal government again. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.