Najib: Decision to return to lead Umno lies with Zahid, not supreme council
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi does not require consent from the party's supreme council to make his return, according to his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak.
Najib said last night that the decision to return from garden leave is up to Zahid alone, as he is still mandated to lead the party...
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi does not require consent from the party's supreme council to make his return, according to his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak.
Najib said last night that the decision to return from garden leave is up to Zahid alone, as he is still mandated to lead the party.
“The question of Zahid wanting to return (to active duty) should be answered by him," he said.
"Zahid made the personal decision to go on garden leave and, according to the party constitution, he has the right to lead Umno during the period he has been mandated to."
"That period is still ongoing. Hence, the question of his returning to serve as president is subject to his own decision. He does not need the agreement of the supreme council or any other party."
Najib was speaking to reporters after a ‘Raya with Bossku’ open house in Shah Alam. He was asked to comment on speculation that Zahid was contemplating a return to active duty.
Read more: I’m back! Zahid announces return to active duty as Umno chief
A source had told Malaysiakini that Zahid was testing the waters by officiating Umno division meetings to gauge grassroots' reception to the move.
Zahid succeeded Najib after the latter stepped down as Umno president due to the party's poor showing in the 14th general election.
Zahid subsequently won the presidency in the party polls in June last year.
However, he announced he was going on garden leave last December, following the exodus of MPs and assemblypersons from Umno. Deputy president Mohamad Hasan assumed his duties as acting president.
In announcing his decision to step aside, Zahid stated that he would only return as president if Mohamad no longer wanted the role or requested his return.
Under Mohamad, Umno has strengthened its cooperation with PAS and scored a hattrick of by-election wins at Cameron Highlands, Semenyih and Rantau.
Zahid is also currently facing 87 criminal charges related to corruption.
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