Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has told the Chinese press to stop speculating about the re-entry of Ahmad Ismail to the Bukit Bendera division.

"I want this case closed," said the defence minister when met by reporters in Parliament today.

He insisted that the vernacular press should stop commenting about Ahmad's impending return to the Bukit Bendera division leadership.

ahmad zahid hamidi Zahid (left) also refuted a Chinese-language radio report that he supports Ahmad's demand for an apology by Penang Gerakan to Umno.

"I never asked Penang Gerakan or the central Gerakan to apologise. Those are just unsubstantiated reports."

Ahmad was suspended for three years from Umno for his pendatang remark while campaigning for the Permatang Pauh by-election. His suspension was lifted last December.

Zahid added that Ahmad's re-admission will follow established procedures, following the resignation enbloc of the 36-member divisional committee last week.

He further added that the division must submit a proposal to Umno's steering committee to hold fresh elections and the matter will be decided by the supreme council.

Quit letters received

Meanwhile, Zahid said he had received the resignation letters of all 36 committee members of the Bukit Bendera division from their posts to make way for new election of office-bearers.

Zahid, who is Penang Umno chief, said the matter would be discussed by the state liaison committee before being brought to the Umno management committee and supreme council for a decision soon.

   

Asked whether the divisional committee's resignation was due to pressure from outside, Zahid said there was no pressure including from the higher-ups.

Article 15.8 of the Umno constitution states that if a divisional committee resigns enbloc, the party's supreme council will order for a special divisional meeting be held to elect a new committee and determine the term of office.