IPOH: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced his return from garden leave to once again take charge of his party, effective immediately, after a seven-month hiatus.
“I would like to announce that I have ended my garden leave, which means that effective today, I will resume my duties as Umno president,” he said during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Bagan Datuk Umno Complex.
Zahid is currently facing 87 charges related to money laundering, bribery and criminal breach of trust.
He suggested that his return to lead Umno would not be deterred by his days in court.
“Let there be 80 charges, or even 800,” Zahid said in his speech, a video of which was published on his Facebook page.
When contacted, Zahid’s return was also confirmed by his press secretary Major-General (Rtd) Datuk Fadzlette Othman Merican.
On Dec 18 last year, Zahid had agreed to take leave in his capacity as party president and handed over his duties to deputy Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Zahid made the decision on the heels of criticisms by several party leaders over his direction, following an exodus of prominent members to rival party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
