Zahid ready to face rivals for Umno presidency
KUALA LUMPUR: Former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he is ready to face any rival vying for the Umno presidency in the upcoming party polls.
Speaking to reporters after breaking fast with Umno Supreme Council members last night, Zahid said he and fellow party vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein remained committed to having all posts in the party open to contest.
When asked, he said he did not know if there were other names lining up to contest the party’s top posts.
“We do not know... the nomination deadline is June 17.
“Hishammuddin and I are of the stand that all posts in the party should be open to contest.”
Recently, Utusan Online reported that Zahid had moved to contest the party’s top post, as he was tasked with carrying out presidential duties following Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s resignation as party president.
Earlier, Umno top leaders gathered for a breaking-of-fast event at the party headquarters at Menara Dato Onn at the Putra World Trade Centre here.
After the event, which was held behind closed doors, leaders performed tarawih prayers.
Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who has been touted for the party’s top post, had said he was contemplating the matter.
He said he needed more time to think it through before making a decision as the position came with great responsibilities.