Ahmad Zahid Steps Aside To Let His Deputy Become UMNO's Acting President
However, he has not announced his resignation.
By Jia Vern Tham — 19 Dec 2018, 12:15 AM
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi handed over his duties as UMNO president to his deputy last night, 18 December
New Straits Times reported that Zahid's move was an attempt to prevent more UMNO members from leaving the party following a mass exodus.
"I hope all polemic regarding the leadership will end, and I want grassroot leaders to focus on strengthening the party," Zahid said in a statement tonight.
"I hope there will be no more move to quit the party by MPs and state assemblymen," he added.
Zahid appointed his deputy, Datuk Mohamad Hassan as acting president while insisting that he has not relinquished his post
The Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament (MP) reiterated that he has not resigned from his post as UMNO president.
Zahid added that Mohamad Hassan, better known as Tok Mat will have full powers as UMNO president for a certain period of time.
"Well (he will lead the party) until Tok Mat feels he doesn't want the responsibility anymore or he believes I can continue the job," Zahid said, according to Malay Mail.
"For the time being, I am still the president without any duties," he added.