BN to decide who will replace Zahid as opposition leader

BN leaders will meet soon to decide who will replace former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as the Parliamentary opposition leader.

Acting BN chairperson Mohamad Hasan said Zahid had relinquished the post after going on leave as Umno president last December.

"The post of opposition leader is still vacant as Zahid had let go of it because he is on leave.

"I will call (for the meeting) as soon as possible. If we don't have a meeting I will meet each party," Mohamad told reporters in Shah Alam today.

Asked whether Bera MP Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is de facto Umno deputy president, would be given the job, Mohamad replied: "Why not?"

"If you think (he should become opposition leader), why not? If you think so... but (that's what) you say," he said.

It is not clear what Ismail's current position in BN is.

Besides Ismail, other high ranking BN MPs are MCA president Wee Ka Siong, who is a coalition vice-chairperson; and Padang Rengas MP Nazri Abdul Aziz, who is BN secretary-general.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said he saw no problem with Zahid's return to the political scene tonight.

This is as Zahid's scheduled forum on Umno-PAS ties is in his capacity as Bagan Datuk Umno chief.

"Zahid has to work in his own division, otherwise it will be abandoned, and it should not be that way. He is not having dialogues with PAS leaders outside his territory," Mohamad said.

Pressed on whether he would mind if Zahid made a full-on comeback, and reassume the Umno presidency, Mohamad replied that it would be the former's right to do so.

"That is his right. He said he wanted to go on leave. If he is tired of that and wants to come back, then go ahead. It is up to him," he said.

Mohamad took over Zahid's duties as Umno president after the latter went on leave in December.

Zahid was pressured to go on leave after mass defections from Umno MPs.

He has since kept a relatively low profile.

Zahid returns to political scene this Thursday

Zahid Hamidi withdraws application for return of his passport

Bid to clear Zahid's allies from Umno amid concerns of PKR ties

Zahid's portrait at Umno HQ taken down at his own request - source