Zahid pledges party support for PM

Flag’s up: Ahmad Zahid (second from left) raising the Umno flag as party leaders look on during the start of the Umno general assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

Reports by MAZWIN NIK ANIS, JOSEPH KAOS Jr and JUNAID IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR: With an Umno leader now helming the Federal Government, the party must be on the same page and walk the same path, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president said he would give his full support and that of the party to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to administer the country.

“To the Prime Minister, please look after the government. We will give our support. God willing, Tok Mat (deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) and I will look after Umno. We will continue to strengthen the party.

“Let Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri take the lead in strengthening the government,” he said to the applause of Umno delegates attending the general assembly.

Umno leaders have welcomed Ahmad Zahid’s assurance, saying that it would help to unite the party.

Party supreme council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican hoped the delegates would take a cue from the president’s speech with regard to the importance of unity and party support for the government.

“I hope a new cluster will emerge in Umno – kasih sayang (love cluster) – and for us to have a resolve to form a government that is stable through a strong win come the 15th General Election,” he said.

Rembau division deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin said by announcing his support for the Prime Minister, the president had united Umno and created a harmonious environment in the party.

“There were perceptions of Umno having clusters and camps with different directions but the president’s speech signalled harmony especially between the party and the government. This is a good sign as we prepare to face the next general election,” he said.

During the Youth, Wanita and Puteri meetings on Thursday, delegates wanted attempts to pit Ahmad Zahid and Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno vice-president, to stop.

Delegates said such attempts could cause the party’s downfall and also create infighting between factions that would lead to conflicts and feuds.