KUALA LUMPUR: Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is getting flak for his refusal to step down despite calls being made for him to do so from the party's leadership and grassroots.
A source from inside Umno said Ahmad Zahid's 'stubborness' only served to show himself to party members as someone who was arrogant.
According to the source, Ahmad Zahid was still 'blind' to the problems and refused to step down despite leaders and grassroots, specifically Umno MPs leaving the party deemed sacred to the Malays in a sign of protest against his leadership.
Ahmad Zahid's leadership has been under criticism as many claimed he had failed to provide Umno with a clear direction following Barisan Nasional's (BN) defeat in the 14th General Election (GE14),
"We need to make it clear that Ahmad Zahid should not be arrogant by saying he is still president and does not need to step down.
"He must remember, a party's biggest asset is their Dewan Rakyat members. Many have left and the 'asset' is depleting.
"Before it reaches a more alarming figure until Umno can no longer be an Opposition or the biggest Opposition party in Dewan Rakyat, he needs to quit. Otherwise, this matter will get bigger," the source told NSTP.
Commenting on Umno MPs leaving the party and pledging their support for Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the source said this could be because they felt the essence of the fight carried by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman was clearer.
Unlike Ahmad Zahid, the source said eventhough Dr Mahathir was on the same side as DAP and PKR, his struggle for religion, race and country were clear.
"We need a clear message, and we realise Dr Mahathir's credibility and the clarity of his fight.
"That is why working with Tun is purer in the eyes of the Malays," the source added.