KJ backs calls for Zahid to quit as Umno chief

PETALING

JAYA: Khairy Jamaluddin is supporting fresh calls for Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to resign as party president and for Umno to elect a new leadership amidst defections of party leaders.

The Rembau MP tweeted: “Agreed. Immediate party election.”

This was in response to Twitter user @SyedRifqi99, who wrote: “Pemuda, Puteri, Wanita and the Umno supreme council must demand Zahid Hamidi’s resignation.

“On top of that, Umno must call for an immediate EGM and have a party election to elect a new leadership.

“Only Umno members can save Umno – PPBM, Anwar or PAS can’t save us.”

Ahmad Zahid defeated Khairy and Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to become Umno president during the party’s election in June.

On Thursday, Sabah Umno Youth urged Ahmad Zahid to step down in order for the party to progress.

In pushing for a capable leader, its Youth vice-chief Ghazalie Ansing said Ahmad Zahid no longer commands respect from Umno leaders and members.

He also said Ahmad Zahid was trying to use the party as a shield against his pending court cases.

In October, Umno Youth urged Ahmad Zahid to go on leave until these cases were concluded.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said it would be unfair for Ahmad Zahid to be burdened with the duties of party president while facing money-laundering and corruption charges.

Tengku Razaleigh had also said in October that party leaders implicated in legal wrangles should give up their position or take leave.

Ahmad Zahid had earlier claimed trial to 45 charges of money laundering involving RM72mil and criminal breach of trust and accepting bribes involving RM42mil.

Yesterday, he was slapped with another charge of criminal breach of trust involving RM10mil.