Zahid Hamidi has no plans to end garden leave - source

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is currently on garden leave, is said to be uninterested in returning to lead the party despite a movement to bring him back.

According to a source close to Zahid, he will only resume his presidential duties if acting president Mohamad Hasan returns the position to him.

Thus far, Zahid believes that Umno is in good shape under Mohamad's stewardship, said the source on condition of anonymity. 

The Umno president handed over the reins to his deputy last December after caving to pressure from several party leaders, including Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Zahid, who is facing 47 charges of money-laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption, was said to be the reason behind the exodus of lawmakers from Umno.

"In light of the crisis faced by the party today, I have decided to entrust the deputy president with the duties of the Umno president," he said at the time. "I urge that no more of our MPs or assemblypersons quit the party."

Eariler today, Tebrau Umno chief Maulizan Bujang openly requested that Zahid let go of his post in favour of another individual.

This followed speculation of a movement by the president's supporters to bring him back to lead the party.

"To these people, Umno needs a breath of fresh air and Zahid is not the person to do it," Maulizan said.

"We pray that Zahid and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak can get justice in the charges against them.

"Let Umno go to the current leaders. There is no need to tease a comeback (from Zahid and Najib)."

The source, however, said that Zahid is aware that the party would be split in two if he decided to return from leave.

"Umno is in good condition now and Zahid has no plan to ruin it.

"He knows that if he returns to helm the party now, Umno will split into two camps – Team Zahid and Team Mat Hasan." - Mkini