Stand by Zahid, Umno man says on calls for president to take a ‘break’

January 16, 2021

PETALING JAYA: An Umno Youth leader has called on the party’s leaders and members to stand by their president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the wake of calls for him to take a “break” from his duties.

In a statement, Umno Youth exco member Mustafa Shah Abdul Hamid said this was not the time for infighting as the party was still regaining its strength.

Earlier today, Pontian Umno Youth chief Mohd Helmi Buang called on Zahid to resign, citing the need for new blood in leadership positions.

Mustafa, however, chided Helmi. “When the party lost and was at a disadvantage, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid still served the party and was willing to be president when Umno was in the opposition,” said Mustafa.

He said Umno should follow the example of other parties which have never asked their presidents to resign regardless when things went sour.

In December 2018, Zahid went on “garden” leave to stem the tide of Umno elected representatives leaving the party.

During that time, his deputy, Mohamad Hasan, took over his duties. After six months, Zahid returned to helm the party.