Ismail Sabri: Selangor Umno to meet over Zahid's position 'only if the need arises'

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Umno will convene a meeting to discuss the position of party president Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi if leaders at the division levels see the need to do so, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Selangor Umno liaison committee chairman said that no official meeting or discussion has been held so far as many state party leaders are on leave for holiday or umrah.

''We will go by the way of meeting and discussion about the position of the president.                                                   

''So far we have not discussed anything yet, as many are not around.

''We will wait for them to come back first, and if they want to have the meeting, we will do it,'' he said.

He was responding on the calls made by party leaders for president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is facing multiple corruption charges, to step down.

Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno vice-president, said that Selangor Umno leadership would remain loyal to the party and vowed to work hard as an opposition.

He also said that Sabak Bernam MP Datuk Mohamad Fasiah Mohd Fakeh's decision to quit was ''regrettable'' and that he should relinquish his seat.

''He should realise that he contested on Barisan-Umno ticket during the general election.

''It is uncalled for him to quit just like that suddenly, it is a betrayal to the voters who supported us," he told reporters at the Selangor Umno building here Monday (Dec 17).

''Since we have no provision to punish defectors, I hope that civil action will be taken against party hoppers.

''They should be hauled to court for all the resources and expenses given to them when they contested,'' he said, adding that he supported the enactment of an anti-hopping law.

Mohamad Fasiah quit Umno with five other MPs on Friday (Dec 14).

A letter signed by the six to inform the party of their departure was sent to Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa.