Umno Leaders Jump To Zahid S Defence Over Calls For Latter To Quit

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Umno is split in its view over the poor performance in the recent state elections. While some in the party are calling for Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's head to roll, other party leaders are defending the president to stay on.
Taking to Twitter, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan noted how Zahid's image was tarnished by his corruption charge.
"Thankfully, 40 cases have been dropped because the court found that the prosecution's three main witnesses were unreliable," said Ahmad.
In September last year, Zahid (above) was acquitted of all 40 graft charges in relation to the Foreign Visa System (VLN), and the prosecution moved to appeal the decision.
Zahid is also at the defence stage in court for another 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering involving Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB).
"Umno members must be patient while the truth about Zahid prevails in court," said Ahmad.
Umno secretary-general Ahmad MaslanIn a Facebook posting today, Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi also urged members to stop pointing fingers at Zahid.
"Asking Zahid to resign isn't the solution. Everyone is responsible.""Umno must win back the Malay support. Umno ministers must be serious in implementing Malay and people's agenda. Power is in their hand."
Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad ZarkashiHence, he said Umno must remain in the unity government.
"Harapan-BN should enhance cooperation. Zahid is suitable to carry out the mission. He doesn't need to resign. No need to lash out."
The six state elections yesterday saw Umno garnering 19 state assembly seats across Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, and Kelantan.
It was the party’s worst performance by failing to capture or retain any seats it contested in Terengganu and Kedah.
However, it secured 14 seats in Negeri Sembilan and two seats each in Penang and Selangor. In Kelantan, the party only won the Galas seat.
However, the Harapan-BN collaboration managed to defend three states - Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan.
'Muhyiddin didn't resign'
There are also voices within Umno who believe it is time for the party to change leadership.
Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin has urged Zahid and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to step down.
In response, Puad shot back saying that Muhyiddin is arrogant in calling for Zahid's resignation, but when PN lost in Melaka and Johor, he didn't step down.
"He was retained as Bersatu president while he is court cluster." - Mkini

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