KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) says there was no discussion during the Umno supreme council meeting today (Nov 9) on whether he should take leave of his position as party president.
“There were no discussions (on that matter). There were opinions and we celebrate those opinions.
"But there wasn’t a single person from the supreme council or the Youth wing who asked me to take leave,” Zahid told reporters after chairing the monthly meeting on Friday (Nov 9).
"However, the Youth (wing) pointed out that in its previous Youth exco meeting, it only gave a suggestion to be considered by the supreme council, especially the president himself,” he added.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki previously said it would be unfair for Zahid to be "burdened" with the many duties as party president while facing court cases in the current political climate.
This is the first time that a serving Umno president has been hauled to court to face criminal charges.
It was highly speculated that Zahid’s position would be determined in today's Umno supreme council meeting.
The Star had, in quoting sources, earlier reported that the Umno supreme council is unlikely to demand that Zahid go on leave.
Meanwhile, Zahid said that it is important for Umno to move forward as a political party, adding that its lawmakers are the party’s strongest asset.
“We must maintain unity and we are confident that all lawmakers are still together and any decisions must be made en bloc.
“And they (lawmakers) don’t want to leave Umno. They want to remain as Umno and Barisan Nasional lawmakers,” he said.
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