GE15: Shahril, Onn Hafiz were right to call for Zahid's resignation, says Khairy

PETALING JAYA: Khairy Jamaluddin (pic) has joined the chorus of Umno leaders calling for party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to step down following Barisan Nasional's crushing defeat in the 15th General Election (GE15).

He said that former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan and Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had "done the right thing" calling for the resignation of Ahmad Zahid as Umno president and Barisan chairman.

ALSO READ: GE15: More from Barisan calling for Zahid's resignation

"Onn Hafiz and Shahril have done the right thing. Now senior leaders must follow," said Khairy on social media on Sunday (Nov 20).

Khairy, who failed to snatch the Sungai Buloh seat from Pakatan Harapan in GE15, said senior leaders should not watch idly while the country's future is being pawned off.

Earlier on Sunday, Shahril resigned as Umno information chief and urged Ahmad Zahid to step down as well.

ALSO READ: GE15: Umno grassroots leaders caused a stir, want Zahid to step down

"I am of the opinion that the Umno president and Barisan chairman has to set an example by taking responsibility for this defeat by stepping down with dignity.

"Let the leadership and other individuals lead discussions to make the next big decision for this party," Shahril had said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz, who was Johor Barisan election operations director, said Ahmad Zahid should follow in former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's footsteps in 2018 and resign as Umno president.

Tan Sri Noh Omar also resigned as Selangor Umno liaison chief, stating that he had lost confidence in Ahmad Zahid as party president.

Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim also called for Ahmad Zahid to resign, saying that it would allow for Barisan and Perikatan Nasional to unite and form a stable government.

Shahidan successfully defended the Arau parliamentary seat on a PAS ticket after being dropped from Barisan's candidates list for GE15.