The Malaysian Insight

THE appointment of Ahmad Zahid Hamidi loyalists as new Umno Supreme Council members is to strengthen the opposition party, its activists and leaders said.

They denied that the appointment of four Umno division chiefs and a division vice-chairman were to shore up Zahid’s position, following the sudden announcement of his return as president after going on leave for the past six months

The five are Batu Pahat division chief Mohd Puad Zarkashi, Hulu Langat division chief Johan Abd Aziz, Bagan division chief Shaik Hussien Mydin, Sepanggar division chief Yaakub Khan and Seputeh vice-chief Mohd Razlan Muhammad Rafii.

Supreme Council member Lokman Noor Adam said Zahid picked those whom he felt could keep Pakatan Harapan (PH) in check after it formed the federal government in the 14th general election last year.

“As the opposition, we need vocal leaders and I am confident they can make Umno a solid opposition party.

“Puad Zarkashi, for example, although he was not picked as an election candidate, has been consistent in criticising the government. Razlan was with me during the anti-ICERD rally while Shaik from Penang has been exposing Lim Guan Eng’s wrongdoing,” Lokman said.

There have been internal critics of Zahid’s selection with remarks that the five were his “hired soldiers”.

Another Supreme Council member, Dira Abu Zahar, said such a remark was unfair as all Umno members were in fact “soldiers” of the party.

She said Zahid as president had every right to appoint those he felt were suited for the job.

“They have been the loudest in criticising PH, they are active on social media and the president believes they are ready to lead from the front.

“Zahid has his own leadership style. We are waiting for our next Supreme Council meeting, now that he is done with his leave,” said Dira, adding that a meeting had yet to be called because Parliament was in session.

Umno blogger and activist Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, also known as Papagomo, said it was unfair to call the five hired soldiers as some of them had criticised Zahid before.

“The appointments will help to solidify the party. Razlan is neutral when he speaks, Shaik and Johan have criticised Zahid before. The only strong supporter of Zahid is Puad Zakarshi,” he said.

The five appointees will fill the vacancies in the Supreme Council left by those who quit the party after GE14.

Those who quit were Anifah Aman, Azizah Mohd Dun, Hajiji Noor, Pandikar Amin Mulia and Salleh Said Keruak. – July 4, 2019.