Nazri confirms ‘movement’ to oust Umno party president

PETALING JAYA: There was a movement within Umno to oust party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Padang Rengas division chief Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz has confirmed.

“I was not involved in the other states but I was there when they collected the names in Perak.

“I can confirm that it is true. The majority in Perak wanted him to leave,” he said when backing Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman who had claimed that some 130 Umno division chiefs wanted the president to step down in 2020.

Nazri said the party had decided since 2009 that any Umno leader with court cases should step back and not drag the party down with their personal matters.

He named a few cases where Umno leaders decided to step down following their court cases, including Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo and Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik.

“When they were under investigation or on trial, they resigned temporarily.

“So what he (Tajuddin) said is true,” he said.Nazri also defended Tajuddin’s right to speak out.

“Don’t fault the person who exposes it. We want to speak the truth.

“We shouldn’t claim we have the freedom to voice our opinions in the party but, at the same time, get angry when it becomes personal,” he added.

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi declined to comment, adding that the party president should be allowed to react to the allegations first.

“I think we should let the party president answer first,” he said.