Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was far from pleased when asked if he would go on leave as Umno president pending the disposal of his court cases.

“What right do you have to ask this question?” he shot back albeit with a grin when a reporter posed the question to him at the Parliament lobby this morning.

Last week, the former deputy premier was slapped with 45 charges for various offences, including eight charges of receiving RM21.25 million in gratification when he was home minister.

This led to speculation if Zahid would be asked to go on leave as Umno president. The party's constitution is vague on this matter.

Earlier, Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa said Zahid is not bound by the standard operating procedure (SOP) which requires senior Umno leaders to go on leave if they are charged in court. 

He claimed that the SOP only applies if Umno is still part of the ruling government.

Prior to this, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said that Zahid might have to go on leave from his party duties in accordance with the SOP set in 2009. 

Former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak, when quizzed on Zahid's status in Parliament later, declined to comment, saying that he is no longer part of the party leadership.

Zahid also dismissed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's statement that Umno is almost non-existent at this juncture.

"Umno is still around, you can see whether or not it exists. It's okay, let him (Mahathir) say what he wants," he said.

In a Twitter posting later, Zahid said Umno members should not be rattled by the threats to dissolve the party.

“The spirit of its members remain strong. Even if its leaders are investigated and hauled to court, Umno will not dissolve from within. Even if there are efforts to dissolve (Umno) by the authorities, Umno will rise again. Rise!” he added.