Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi met with his deputy Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on Monday (July 1).
Zahid said that consensus was the key to strength and they were positive that they shared common goals and struggles.
“Pray that we are given strength, fortitude and persistence. May our struggle for race, religion and country be made easier,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Also uploaded were several pictures of the two during the meeting.
Zahid temporarily handed over his duties as president to Mohamad in the interests of the leadership and party.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said Zahid’s decision to return as Umno president should not cause the party to lose focus and urged the party not be divided over Zahid’s announcement.
“His announcement to return as Umno president following his leave should not instigate new polemic among members, as it is aligned with the party constitution and his right as the legitimate party president,” he said in a statement on Monday (July 1).
He said Umno has to focus its efforts to fight for the rakyat’s welfare, as the Pakatan Harapan administration is “chaotic”.
“The priority must also be towards uniting the followers of Islam (ummah) and towards the Umno-PAS partnership, which is desired by the rakyat, to protect the dignity of religion and race which is eroding under the Pakatan regime.
“With strong unity, loyalty to the struggle’s idealism, and putting the party’s interests above personal interests, God willing, Umno can rise again for the rakyat and the beloved country!” he said.
Former vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Umno should not allow Zahid’s return as party president to cause renewed conflict within the party.
He said Umno members should instead focus on restoring the party’s position and unity.
“According to the party constitution, Zahid has the right to return as the party leader. The decision has been made…the latest development should not open up space for the party to bicker among ourselves.
“I want to see the party solid. We are in a good position right now compared to last year,” he told reporters when met at the Parliament lobby today.
While acknowledging that he was no longer a senior party official, he urged Umno not to let the matter undo the work to rebuild the party over the last year.
Hishammuddin said he would give his views to the party if consulted, but stressed that the Opposition should try to keep the matter within itself.
He also said more focus should be given on reviving the country’s fortunes.
“We have so much potential in Malaysia, our economy…if we stop all the haggling and all the politicking, people will have confidence and FDI will increase, foreign investors will come in.”