KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's move to hand over Umno presidential duties to his deputy is part of party's reforms.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled in applauding Zahid's move, urged party members and supporters nationwide to rally behind Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who now shoulders the duties of party president.
"I urge all party supporters and members at the branch, division and state level, to uphold and assist Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan in carrying out his duties.
"This is the beginning of efforts to reform our party. After over six months of going through defeats and various obstacles, it is hoped that the party's agenda will continue under the new leadership.
"I also urge for the Malays to unite and continue to give assistance, views and constructive criticism to build continuity in the party as well as the agenda of developing the Malays," he said in a statement today.
Khaled also prayed for Allah to grant patience, strength and calmness to Zahid in facing his personal challenges.
"We also pray for Allah to grant Taufiq (prosperity) and Hidayah (guidance) to Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan."
Facing immense pressure from various quarters to relinquish the Umno presidency, Zahid last night in a statement announced his decision to hand over the duties of the president to his deputy Mohamad.
The Bagan Datuk member of Parliament reportedly said that his action was for the sake of strengthening Umno's solidarity following the recent mass exodus of party leaders and members from Sabah and Peninsula Malaysia.