Hisham hopes Zahid's return won't be used to split Umno
Hishammuddin Hussein said today that he hopes Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's return to active duty as Umno president will not be used to split the party.
"In terms of the party constitution, Zahid has as right to return and lead (the party)," the former Umno vice-president told journalists at the Parliament lobby today...
Hishammuddin Hussein said today that he hopes Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's return to active duty as Umno president will not be used to split the party.
"In terms of the party constitution, Zahid has as right to return and lead (the party)," the former Umno vice-president told journalists at the Parliament lobby today.
"The decision has been made and it is important for the party to focus on unity and its position.
"Do not allow recent development to become an opportunity to quarrel amongst ourselves."
Hishammuddin, the Sembrong MP, said he hopes Umno will continue on its upward trajectory.
Zahid, who is facing 87 charges for graft, announced yesterday that he was returning to active duty after going on leave for six months, despite calls for him to first consult the Umno supreme council.
He went on leave last December amid pressure for him to step aside over his alleged inability to provide his party with direction.
Throughout his time as acting Umno president, Mohamad Hasan had struck a diplomatic stance on Zahid (photo), although his supporters have taken a more critical stance.
Last month, Tebrau Umno chief Maulizan Bujang criticised talks about Zahid returning as the Umno president.
"It is true some supporters have not returned to Umno as there are still those who think that Umno has not truly changed due to support for leaders who face various abuse of power and corruption charges.
"But with Zahid's teasing, which does not benefit the party, it is hard to create a perception that Umno has truly changed," he said.
Zahid also presided over an exodus of lawmakers from the party, with threats of further defection if he did not step aside.
Just hours before Zahid announced his return, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin pointed out that Mohamad's brief tenure as acting president saw the party winning three by-elections, namely in Cameron Highlands, Semenyih and Rantau.
