Zahid's portrait at Umno HQ taken down at his own request - source
When acting Umno president Mohamad Hasan chaired the Umno supreme council meeting at the party headquarters last Friday, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's portrait was noticeably missing.
This had led to speculation whether Zahid – officially the Umno president – was being 'erased' after going on leave and handing over his duties to his deputy.
According to an Umno source, however, the removal of the portrait was done on Zahid's own request, and not on Mohamad's instructions as claimed...
When acting Umno president Mohamad Hasan chaired the Umno supreme council meeting at the party headquarters last Friday, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's portrait was noticeably missing.
This had led to speculation whether Zahid – officially the Umno president – was being "erased" after going on leave and handing over his duties to his deputy.
According to an Umno source, however, the removal of the portrait was done on Zahid's own request, and not on Mohamad's instructions as claimed.
"The portrait was removed on the president's own request, it is not an issue.
"We don't know whose picture will take its place, but it could be that it may be replaced with the Umno logo," he said.
The source added that if this was implemented, it would be seen as a positive step for the party.
"Leaders come and go, but Umno will always remain," he told Malaysiakini.
Last Tuesday, Zahid announced his decision to transfer his duties to his deputy Mohamad with immediate effect.
He stated that he made this decision to save Umno, to prevent more leaders and elected representatives from leaving the party.
"If it is true I am the main reason (for those leaving the party), then the best decision for me is to trust Mohamad to carry out the duties of president."
Malaysiakini yesterday reported that Zahid had also cleared out his office despite officially still being the Umno president.
Zahid was elected to head Umno in June, but presided over an exodus of leaders who accused him of failing to provide a clear direction for the party.
Despite losing federal power in the 14th general election, Umno remained the biggest party in the Dewan Rakyat with 54 seats.
The exodus has whittled this number down to 38, relegating it to the third-largest party behind PKR and DAP.
