KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will hold a management committee meeting soon to decide if party president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, should go on leave after he was charged at the Sessions Court today.
Party deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, when met outside Kuala Lumpur court complex, said the recommendation made by the committee would then be debated at the Supreme Council meeting.
“It is stated in our party administration's standard operating procedure that any party member who is charged will be asked to go on leave of duty.
“However, the person can still retain the post if he or she is proven not guilty.
“The SOP was amended in 2009, previously a leader will be suspended if he or she is charged in court,” he said.
Mohamad, who is fondly known as Tok Mat, however did not provide the date of the meeting.
“We want to protect our party, we don't want people to accuse us (of not adhering to the SOP).” he said.
Meanwhile, he expressed hope that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, police and court would discharge their duties professionally without prejudice.
“I hope Umno party members will also stay calm and allow today's proceedings to be carried out smoothly.
“This effort to destroy Umno by crippling its leaders will not weaken us, instead it will only strengthen our spirit.
“We will continue to fight for our agenda,” he said.
Earlier, Zahid claimed trial to 45 charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power involving over RM114 million.
Some of the charges were related to funds belonging to Yayasan Budi and while other involved him receiving gratification as inducement to help certain companies obtain contracts.
The Bagan Datuk member of Parliament was hit with 10 counts of CBT, eight counts of receiving graft, and 27 for money laundering.
He was alleged to have committed the CBT and corruption offences at two banks here between Jan 13, 2014, and March 15 this year.
All the charges were under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFAPUAA) 2001, and the Penal Code.