The Malaysian Insight

THE return of Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as party president will not help Umno regain the support it is slowly trying to recoup, said its leaders.

Zahid’s return has put the brakes on his deputy Mohamad Hassan’s efforts in restoring the party’s image, especially after Umno won three by-elections, they said.

The leaders said that efforts to revive the party’s fortunes will now be derailed especially after Mohamad did a good job in bringing back support among the grassroots. 

Umno Youth exco Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris said Zahid’s presence will make it difficult to change people’s perception of the party, especially that of the younger generation.

“It is not going to help Umno leaders who are in the midst of preparing for the 15th general election. For example we have to answer youngsters, especially those who are non-Umno members, questions on Zahid.

“While there are those who agree with this (Zahid’s return), younger members as well as non-members want a new face.

“They do not want a leader who has numerous charges to answer. Guilty or not, that is secondary. Some have spoken up out of their love for Umno,” Wan Muhammad, also known as Papagomo told The Malaysian Insight.

Zahid went on leave in December to put a stop to the wave of Umno lawmakers leaving the party.

The Bagan Datoh MP is facing 87 charges of corruption, money-laundering, criminal breach of trust and abuse of power.

Wan Muhammad said Zahid could have returned to avenge himself for being mistreated by Pakatan Harapan.

“I think he is angry with the charges slapped on him by the government.

“If it involved an Umno member, they will have to pay the price. But if it is a case involving a Pakatan Harapan leader such as Lim Guan Eng’s bungalow scandal… it will be  covered up.

“What about the sex video involving a PKR leader? Even after the person has admitted to it, there is still no case?,” he questioned.

An Umno Supreme Council member who refused to be named said he is worried about Zahid’s presence as it will further deteriorate the situation in the party as he is not favoured by the grassroots.

“He returned when the cases against him have not been resolved. The grassroots in my area are not in favour of his return because they have seen Tok Mat’s (deputy president Mohamad Hassan) efforts in lifting Umno up,” said the Supreme Council member who is also a lawmaker.

Mohamad, who assumed the role of acting head during Zahid’s absence, has garnered more support for the party after leading it to victory in the Semenyih, Cameron Highlands and Rantau by-elections.

Another Supreme Council leader said Zahid has the right to resume his duties because he was elected as president.

“It is his right to return to duty. Only certain quarters have been kicking up a fuss about it. He can lead Umno as he has yet to be proven guilty,” he said. – July 3, 2019.