Despite pending arrest of its president Zahid, Umno to stand by its man

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's expected arrest by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), his party vows to stand by him and keep him as president.

Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said a supreme council meeting was called on Wednesday night (Oct 17) to discuss the fate of Umno's No 1, and they decided to support Dr Ahmad Zahid.

“We have decided not to take any action and instead will staunchly support him.

“We view the action against him as selective political persecution.

“(Pakatan Harapan) leaders were freed, but Umno leaders are being dragged to court one by one.

“They should stop all this and move forward in this ‘New Malaysia’,” Ahmad told reporters at the Parliament lobby on Thursday (Oct 18).

Ahmad, who is also Pontian MP, said the meeting at Umno headquarters included vice-presidents Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri and Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, as well as secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

He said deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan was unwell and did not attend.

Dr Ahmad Zahid was said to have been served with a notice to be present at the MACC headquarters at around 3pm today (Oct 18).

It is also said that Dr Ahmad Zahid is expected to be charged the following day on Friday (Oct 19).