Mohamad Hasan takes charge as Zahid goes on leave

PETALING JAYA: Umno has appointed Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan as the party's acting president.

Vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri will meanwhile carry out the duties of the deputy president.

The decision was made by the Umno management committee in its meeting on Wednesday (Dec 19).

The move follows the announcement on Tuesday by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmnad Zahid Hamidi that his deputy would carry out the duties of the president.

Umno officials explained that Ahmad Zahid had not resigned the presidency but was taking leave from carrying out his duties as president.

"The priority for Umno now is to ensure the leadership and focus on the agenda to strengthen the party," said Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa in a statement on Thursday (Dec 20) when announcing the appointments.

The announcement stated that Mohamad would serve as acting president for as long as Ahmad Zahid was on leave.

However, the statement did not mention how long Ahmad Zahid would be on leave.