Shahril leaves as Umno info chief and urges Zahid to resign as Barisan chairman

PETALING JAYA: Following Barisan Nasional’s performance in GE15, there have been increasing calls for Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to resign as Umno's president.

Shahril Hamdan, in announcing his resignation as the Umno information chief, also said Zahid should gracefully step down as the Barisan chairman and party president.

Shahril said he held the same view as Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who on Sunday (Nov 20) morning called for Ahmad Zahid’s immediate resignation as Barisan chairan.

"I am of the opinion that the Umno president and Barisan chairman has to set an example by taking responsibility for this defeat - resign gracefully.

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

In ensuring collective responsibility over Barisan’s dismal performance in GE15, Shahril also announced his resignation as Umno information chief.

"I appreciate the opportunity given and I will not forget it. This is a matter of a much greater benefit.

"Just like the others, I remain loyal to Umno. The party’s struggles haven't come to an end. This is not the end," said Shahril.

Shahril also lost in the Alor Gajah seat after obtaining 27,288 votes against Pakatan Harapan’s Adly Zahari 28,718 votes and Perikatan’s Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof’s 17,211 votes

Onn Hafiz had said Ahmad Zahid should follow in former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s footsteps in 2018 and resign as Umno president.

In GE15, Barisan only managed to win 30 seats, while Perikatan had 73 seats and Pakatan had 76 seats.