Zahid returns to helm Umno
BAGAN DATUK: Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is back as Umno president six months after he went on garden leave as a measure to curb party hopping among Umno lawmakers to Bersatu.
At that time, critics also slammed Zahid for the lack of leadership on his part.
Today also the first year anniversary since Ahmad Zahid won the party presidency in a three cornered battle involving Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar and Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
He allowed his deputy, Mohamad Hasan to take over as acting party chief.
“So the one year anniversary is important to me, hence on June 30, 2019, I wish to announce that I am ending my (garden) leave today,” he said during a Hari Raya event in Perak.
Earlier today, Khairy had said Zahid’s return should be determined by the supreme council.
The view however was opposed by former prime minister and Zahid’s predecessor, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Questions over Umno’s directions arise with the return of Zahid since Umno has been leaning more to the right and aligning itself with PAS.
Within Umno, proposal for the amendments on the party constitution to dispel party leaders tainted with corruption cases is expected to be derailed with the return of Zahid.
Both Najib and Zahid are facing multiple corruption and power abuse charges.
