Zahid Hamidi announces return from garden leave as Umno president

(FMT) – Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today announced his return from garden leave — six months after he had made the decision to do so.

Zahid made the announcement at a Hari Raya function in Sungai Sumun in Perak in conjunction with the first anniversary of him being elected as party president.

He reminded the people that he had been elected, not appointed, as party president a year ago.

“I can no longer stand seeing the people being lied to and insulted.

“So beginning today, I am officially resuming my duties as Umno president,” he said, concluding his speech with cries of Hidup Umno.

Last night, former prime minister and Umno president Najib Razak said Zahid does not need the approval of the Umno Supreme Council to resume his duties as party president.

He said according to the party’s constitution, Zahid is still the head of the party because he was rightfully elected to the position.

“Zahid had made the decision himself to go on garden leave. It is up to him whether he wants to come back. But according to the party constitution, he has the right to lead as was given the mandate to do so.”