The decision by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to hand over the duties of Umno president to his deputy, Mohamad Hasan, with immediate effect yesterday, is seen as apt in the wake of the crisis facing the party currently.

Pahang Umno Liaison chairman Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said although he was sad with the decision, the move could save Umno and prevent more Umno leaders from leaving the party.

"Considering the crisis facing UMNO, with its leaders leaving the party, and talks of more going to do so, the decision by the president is is seen as apt.

“Many of those who left the party blamed his (Zahid's) leadership for failing to provide Umno with a clear direction for it to restore its strength,” he said in a statement which was sent through the Whatsapp application to the media today.

Last night, Zahid announced that Mohamad would assume the duties of the president in the wake of the current crisis in the party.

The announcement was made at a “Wacana U3.0” programme organised by the party at Menara Dato Onn last night, which was aired live over Facebook.

Meanwhile, Rosdy, who is also Pahang Menteri Besar, expressed support for Mohamad in assuming the duties of party president.

“It is a heavy responsibility to shoulder, and becomes heavier if we, the Umno leaders and members, do not give our cooperation for him to carry out the duties effectively.

“Most important, the party leaders especially, should immediately stop the practice of leaving the party. Instead, we should work together to help him (Mohamad) to carry out his mission to restore Umno’s strength and for the party to rise again,” he added.

– Bernama