A slate of Umno leaders have called for Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to be included in the Perikatan Nasional cabinet, following his declaration yesterday that he has chosen to remain as a backbencher in Parliament.

Sabah Umno chairperson Bung Moktar Radin said in a statement today that Zahid (photo) should be allowed to assume a role in the cabinet.

"The prime minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) should stand by any person who is still innocent as long as he is not found guilty and sentenced," said Bung about Muhyiddin's pledge that his cabinet would be clean and with integrity.

"Umno believes there should be no double standards between the Umno president and other leaders. If Zahid is found guilty, then he can resign," said Bung.

Zahid is currently facing 47 charges, 12 of them are on criminal breach of trust involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds, eight on receiving gratification and 27 on money laundering.

Malacca Umno head Abdul Rauf Yusoh also weighed in saying that Zahid should not be penalised as long as the court has not found him guilty. 

"Looking back, some Pakatan Harapan leaders were still on trial but were appointed to the cabinet," he added.

Perak Umno Youth chief Arrif Abdul Majid was effusive in his praise of Zahid's sacrifice and said that the Umno president should be in the cabinet.

"The statement by the Umno president clearly shows that he is a man of great spirit, courage, integrity, dignity and love for the country.

"Perak Umno Youth believes that since Umno is the party with the most parliamentary seats in the Perikatan Nasional government, its president should be appointed as a cabinet member," he said.