LOOKS like Zahid Hamidi got very limited options - come back to office or relinquish his position as Umno president. Tengku Razaleigh has said it, so did others in and outside the party.
As Ku Li puts it, there is no such thing as 'taking leave' as a president. He's quite critical of the whole situation but I believe he meant good. That's exactly what he advised Zahid when they met recently.
I look at it from similar points of view. Zahid may have problems attending to the 47 'politically-motivated' court cases against him but it has nothing to do with Umno and his presidency. Until he is found guilty, his seat remains secured and should not be questioned, not even by few hardcores in the party.
For those outside Umno, they are barking on wrong trees.
Coming back to office, I believe, is the only option for Zahid. There may be some discontentments but they too must admit that he is still president, the guy who took Umno on better platforms since opening the doors to collaboration with Pas earlier this year.
The cooperation bears fruits and positive results. Its undeniable, and it will be foolish for his detractors that sidelining him will make the party being on better footings. And no one deserves the credit for such a move.
The reminder is that, as the Opposition, Umno cannot afford to be seen divided in patches if it wants to go up again in domestic politics. They who have been vocal in opposing Zahid all this while must realize that getting up from a big fall is not going to be easy.
Since losing the 14th general election, Umno office bearers must change their attitude to a better ones. For Umno to elevate again, the show of unity must be upheld and uniformity in party-management should be adhered to.
Zahid believes that in order for Umno to recap the losses, it must recapture the confidence of Malaysians again. While I personally believe that the leadership must possess inspiring package to boost the members' support again, Zahid team which comprises of deputy president Tok Mat, the three vice-presidents and chief of the two wings must sit down again and iron out differences.
They too must consider two options - fortify the party or break it up with their self-vested interest.
I am actually tired with all the bickerings, so are others. At times when we can expect a new Umno after May 9, 2018, we are firing at each other.
No matter what and how Zahid may face another possible exodus by the existing MPs, state reps and members, its something already written in the stars and the lines in our palm but they too must put the party above all.
Time flies, the hour glass keeps turning. Get away from factionalism, everybody must focus on the new direction, which is to breathe healthily.
As an ordinary member, I wish to see Zahid to really take up the responsibility of administering the party again. The team is there, the support and trust are also there. Should proper steps are not prepared from now on, do be ready to face Umno's crumbling down soon.
The party must not be treated as a stocks market, let alone be managed as a dynasty like Pakatan Harapan. Its a party for the Malays and Malaysians. And dont turn it into a religious-masocist sect.
Be prudent. Be inspiring and attractive are two words that I always believe in Malaysian politics. We once had that, and its fast eroding.
Zahid is a simple leader whose simplicity holds they key to inter-party cooperation. As Ku Li says, let him handle his court case personally, and as long as it doesn't drag Umno along, there is no need for the party constitution to be amended for forced resignation.
Each and every one of us has tantrums.... but the party must not be steered by tantrums!
Its the 3rd Hari Raya... may it augurs well for our party.