Embattled Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the belief that his ouster from the top post would help stave further collapse of the party was merely an “excuse” by those who have chosen to leave it.
Zahid’s leadership has been heavily questioned in light of the slew of departures of lawmakers, assemblypersons and other members from the party since Umno’s defeat in the 14th general election.
“It’s all an excuse,” he said briefly when contacted by Malaysiakinion the criticism levelled against him.
However, he did not respond when asked if he would consider the calls for him to step down, even temporarily.
Meanwhile, in a Twitter posting today, Zahid also appealed for calm among remaining party members even as Umno continues to bleed with another six MPs having announced their exit from the party today.
Zahid said the exodus from Umno was the “price to be paid” if the party wanted to return to its original struggles.
“Umno members need not panic. This is probably the price we have to pay if we wish to return to Umno’s original struggle of strengthening race and religion.
“We believe it (the departure from Umno)will not jeopardise grassroots support. This is just temporary,” he tweeted today.
The six Umno lawmakers to leave the party today are a former minister and Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin, Hulu Terengganu MP Rosol Wahid, Mersing MP Latiff Ahmad, Tasek Gelugor MP Shabudin Yahaya, Sabak Bernam MP Mohd Fasiah Mohd Fakeh and Tanah Merah MP Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz.
Their exit followed that of 10 others since May, and leaves Umno with just 38 seats in Parliament.
‘He’s lost his way’: Umno MPs urge Zahid to take leave
Two Umno parliamentarians have openly called for Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to take leave pending the outcome of his 46 criminal charges.
Speaking with Malaysiakini, Arau MP Shahidan Kassim and Jempol MP Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif urged Zahid to temporarily vacate the Umno presidency amidst the exodus of Umno lawmakers and leaders over the week.
Salim estimated that 70 percent of Umno parliamentarians shared the same view and said that they had begun conveying the message for Zahid to take leave in the last three weeks.
“The way I see Zahid, he has lost his way, maybe because (he was slapped with) the 45 charges, he cannot focus on making decisions,” said Salim, who is also Jempol Umno division chief.
On Oct 19, the Umno president claimed trial to 10 charges of criminal breach of trust, eight charges of receiving gratification and 27 charges of money laundering.
He was slapped with an additional charge for criminal breach of trust involving welfare foundation Yayasan Akal Budi’s funds today.
Salim (photo) believed that Zahid’s lack of direction was potentially to blame for Sabah MPs and state assemblypersons quitting the party on Dec 12, as well as future potential departures from peninsular colleagues.
A total of 11 MPs have quit Umno since the 14th general election, leaving the biggest opposition party with 43 representatives in Parliament.
Those who had left the party included Tanah Merah MP Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz and former Umno secretary-general Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, both of whom quit today.
“We suggested that Zahid take a rest for the survival of BN and the party. After he settles his own matters, he can come back.
“This is the prudent view (taken by us) as we do not want to offend his dignity. We discussed what is the best for the party,” he said.
However, Zahid has yet to respond towards these requests, according to Salim.
Fearing instability
While Salim said he understood Zahid might need time to consider the requests, he hoped the former deputy prime minister would respond by the end of December.
“If he declines (to take a rest), I don’t know will happen, but surely there are those who will be worried and agigated, they fear (that the party) will not be stable,” he said.
“Then, maybe other MPs and division chiefs will express their wishes for the sake of the party,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shahidan (photo) said Zahid needed to take leave due to the exodus from the party.
According to him, several Umno MPs may announce their decision to quit the party later today.
Shahidan said he would not be able to do anything if Zahid decline to take leave, as he is merely an MP and division head.
“The only thing I can do is to write on Facebook,” he said, referring to his earlier posturging Zahid to quit as president.
– M’kini
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