Zahid says calls for his ouster 'just an excuse'

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. - Mkini