Ahmad Zahid (second left) waves to his supporters upon his arrival. — Bernama photo
BAGAN DATOH: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday dismissed speculation of a possible change in the top leadership in several states such as Perak and Kedah following the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
He gave the assurance that the top leadership in the states, especially Perak, would remain.
“We give our full trust and confidence to YAB Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir to continue to helm Perak,” he told reporters when attending the Bagan Datoh Umno Division delegates meeting here.
Ahmad Zahid said the stand in the matter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, as the head of government and party president, was clear.
“The important thing is the support of all quarters and it does not have to be associated with the Cabinet reshuffle because that was at the national level.
“I do not want to precede the Prime Minister in making a decision but rest assured that there will not be any reshuffle or any change in any state and don’t speculate on it, the leaders should not feel that they will be put aside,” he said.
He said that what was important was that everyone should be loyal and support the party leadership.
“Please be loyal to the leadership, please be supportive to the leadership and don’t worry about their positions,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said this when replying to a question on speculations that several Menteris Besar would be changed following the cabinet reshuffle on July 28.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno vice-president and Bagan Datoh Umno division head, said personally he was grateful to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who had issued a statement that he wanted Umno to continue to be strong.
“He (Muhyiddin) had stated that he would not join any opposition party and would in fact assist the party leadership under Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Najib as Umno president and Insya-Allah (God willing) I will help as a vice-president to strengthen the leadership in Umno, together with Datuk Seri Hishammuddin.
“I have also contacted Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal for us, the three vice-presidents to help the president and deputy president to continue to strengthen the party.
“I hope there will not be any negative speculation or analysis on the stand of Tan Sri Muhyiddin,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said personally he highly appreciated Muhyiddin’s stand and hoped it could be translated as a supportive action for Umno’s agenda and activities. — Bernama