Extraordinary Zahid Hamidi

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HIS name is Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MP for Bagan Datuk and the only UMNO president politically denied the prime minister post. By virtue, he should have become the No.1 had Barisan Nasional won the last general election.

However, its 'takdir'. Its already written in the lines of the hand. Being president of the country largest party is not providing him with extra rooms to relax. As the Opposition for almost 22 months which saw him took 'leave' from the party over 87 orchestrated court cases against him, Zahid is for more harrowing time in bringing back the party to the right footing again.

Now that UMNO is well represented by some of its Members of Parliament in Putrajaya in a political understanding dubbed by political analysts and foreign diplomats as 'weirdo of politics and power', Zahid is torn between those who support the decision to 'help' PM Muhyiddin Yassin and they who are at disgust for having such collaboration.

The former DPM and Home Minister deeply knows how torrid the situation is when some UMNO MPs were appointed for their personal interest and seem to sideline their role towards the party, and a faction already teaming up to unseat him in the next party election, slotted for mid-next year.

Worst still would be those whom he called 'friends' losing interest in him, turning their back on him over comfort of being with Muhyiddin's Cabinet and the GLCs. In the end, Zahid would be left all alone managing the party.

But Zahid is not an easy give-in. Knowing him, its not a peanut to beat him, let alone seeing him reeling from his political predicament. Let others take credits for his sole crusade in championing Muafakat Nasional with PAS, some people know and acknowledge his contribution.

He is fortunate to have loyal friends around him. Not all UMNO's Cabinet appointees are shying away from him - unlike some friends he politically nurtured and trusted. Those who objected to his vital and drastic decision for party sake, do not really understand his hidden motive.

For 22 months as the Opposition, UMNO had seen how its purse shrink to almost zero, how Dr Mahathir's Pakatan Harapan government tried to de-register UMNO, slapped him with '1-became-87' cases and many other predicaments which, some, led to anguish and anxiety among members at state and division level.

There was no money to finance activities, salary for staff at the party headquarters was reduced sharply and everything else was placed under a tight budget situation. PH really wanted him and the party do rot and die!

Months after winning the party's presidential election, Zahid (in his capacity as the Opposition Leader) was tasked with charting a new direction for UMNO. Others, including the party's big names were quiet. No assistance whatsoever was given to him. And for that, he had to outline several measures to keep the party moving.

Had he asked me personally on what's the new direction was, I would have easily answered "You are the party's direction, that you and the Presidential institution namely deputy and vice-presidents are our direction, that whatever you plan for that party will augur well for members..." (Its just like answering your loved ones when she/he asks "what's your inspiration?" and we will tell them "you are my inspiration!"

But that's fact. He alone was thrown in a deep political ravine to seek a tangible answer. At times when the office bearers should sit down with him and discussed the matter at length, they deserted him. Had there been one of two, it was done half-heartedly.

No, I don't pity him. As the president, he needs all the courage and level-headed mind to steer the party to a greater height. To me, the word 'pity' doesn't exist in politics. Its either you stand with him or not.

Back to the misunderstanding. Of course there are UMNO MPs who are the disgruntled lot for being denied a seat in the government. They should know the Muhyiddin too has his own prerogative in making decision and appointments. We win some, we lose some.

However, its better than nothing. Staying on the Opposition bench does not guarantee you with the kind of funds and allocation to carry our activities in your respective constituencies. UMNO money put to freeze by PH (about RM116.7 million) could be retrieved back soon, some decision making might need UMNO participation (although not all) while members can sigh in relief that UMNO will be financially strong again.

Either they understood him nor playing stupid not to!

What else do these Zahid's 'opponents' want. To stay until the next general election could be disastrous. With no money in hand, facing the general election would be stressful.

Yes, UMNO is not the key decision maker under Muhyiddin's Cabinet although it forms the largest party that pushed his up as PM. But bear in mind that having a foot in the government is far better than being a political beggar.

Zahid has the right willpower and charisma to lead UMNO and reaches his pinnacle of politics. He just needs members understanding to his soft and solemn-looking character. He doesn't ring his own bell for what he has done and is doing. Let others do.

In conjunction with UMNO 74th anniversary tomorrow (Monday May 11), I think the time has come for Zahid to come on stronger for the party and the nation. He can but he needs to engineer some refurbishment to the party.

Being a party president is not a privilege but to inspire others to be with him is paramount. Listen to less yet useful advises instead of taking in too many notes. UMNO must be fortified under him in preparing for GE15. It already has PAS and BN.

Zahid must lead... truly leads! Have faith in him.

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