Many believe president’s exit will renew faith in party

PETALING JAYA: The decision by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to hand over his duties to his deputy, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, is seen as apt in the wake of the crisis faced by the party.

In Johor, vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin said Ahmad Zahid’s exit would plug the “integrity crisis haunting Umno”.

“We can now start to reform Umno, which must be seen as a party that upholds integrity, rejects corruption and power abuse.

“We can become an effective opposition,” said Khaled.

“At this moment, I urge all sup- porters and members, either at branch, division, or state level to come together and throw their support behind Mohamad and help him carry out the responsibility given to him,” said Khaled.

In Kuantan, Pahang Umno chief and Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the move could save the party and prevent more leaders from leaving Umno.

“Considering the crisis facing Umno, with its leaders leaving the party and talks of more planning to do so, the decision by the president is timely.

“Many of those who left the party blame his leadership for failing to provide Umno with a clear direction to restore its strength,” he said in a statement.

Wan Rosdy also expressed support for Mohamad in carrying out the duties of party president.

“It is a heavy responsibility to shoulder, and becomes heavier if we, the Umno leaders and members, do not give our cooperation.

“Most importantly the party leaders, especially, should immediately stop the practice of leaving the party.

“Instead, they should help him (Mohamad) carry out his mission to restore Umno's strength and help the party rise again,” he added.

Supreme council member Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said that Ahmad Zahid’s decision was a courageous move and should be well-received by all Umno members.

“I believe it was not easy for him to make the announcement but he has shown his maturity in politics and behaved professionally,” she said in a statement.

“I also believe all Umno members look forward to drastic moves by Mohamad to alleviate uncertainties in the party.

“Therefore, hopefully he will be able to act quickly to ease the turmoil and set out a clear direction for the party leadership.”