Zahid says he will soldier on
‘I will continue as party president and let general assembly decide fate’
KUALA TERENGGANU: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is sticking to his guns in continuing to lead Umno despite calls for him to go on leave.
“That (going on leave) is not an option for me.
“I have decided to continue carrying on the job as president together with the deputy president, vice-presidents, secretary-general and the rest of the leadership including the heads of the wings,” he said
Speaking to newsmen after addressing Umno members here yesterday, Dr Ahmad Zahid said he was determined not to succumb to pressure.
“Asking or suggesting I go on leave is akin to asking me to step down,” said the former deputy prime minister.
“I will not bow down to any pressure because that is not an option to me,” he said.
Umno Youth on Thursday suggested Dr Ahmad Zahid go on leave until his court cases are settled, saying that it would be unfair for him to be burdened with the many duties as party president while facing court cases in the current political climate.
Dr Ahmad Zahid also sent out a loud message to Umno members that he would serve the full term as president of the party.
He said positions in the party were decided at the general assembly.
“Let the general assembly determine the position of an office bearer and not the suggestion (Umno Youth) of others who are not in line with the party’s constitution and rules.
“I have been given the mandate to lead the party which I will until the term ends,” he said.
Earlier in a post on social media, Dr Ahmad Zahid said he was taking the mounting call for him to go on leave in his stride.
Even the clear request by Umno Youth for him to go on leave until
his court cases are settled did not perturb him.
“Thank you for the Youth opinion, I celebrate differences in opinion.
“However, what is important is for us to move together to fight the enemy that wants to destroy Umno,” Dr Ahmad Zahid tweeted using the hashtags # prayforumno and #umnobangkit.