Zahid made the announcement at the end of a discourse organised by the Umno information division at Putra World Trade Centre here this evening.

“I feel the anxiety of some Umno leaders who are worried they will be subjected to pressure, investigations, and accusations after accusations, as what I have experienced.

“For the sake of Umno and the party leadership at all levels, measures to rectify the current situation must be taken immediately.

“Based on the turmoil being faced by the party today, I have decided to entrust my deputy with carrying out the duties of the president,” he said tonight.

Over the past week, Umno has lost many of its MPs, assemblymen and divisional leaders. They are expected to join PPBM once their applications are approved.

They had blamed their exit on the party president and said there was a lack of direction in the party.

This led to calls for Zahid to take leave to sort out the 46 charges he is facing.

The Bagan Datuk MP today expressed hope that his move to hand over duties to his deputy would put an end to all polemics surrounding Umno’s leadership, and urged all leaders to focus on strengthening the party.

He hoped the remaining elected representatives would stay and serve the party. Umno’s parliamentary seats have been reduced from 54 to 37 as a result of defections.

Speaking to reporters later, Zahid denied there was any pressure from anyone for him to surrender his duties to his deputy.

He said he was merely taking the “middle path” to save Umno and to prevent more leaders and elected representatives from leaving the party.

“This is more so as there are other MPs and leaders who desire to leave the party.

“If it is true that I am the main cause, the decision I am taking is the best way, to hand over my duties to my deputy, Mohamad Hasan,” he said.

He said this was in line with the spirit of the Umno constitution, whereby if the president does not command the support of members, the best way is to entrust his deputy to carry out the duties of the president.

“Mohamad has full powers as president for a certain period, together with the vice-presidents and all others who hold posts, especially the chiefs of the wings and Supreme Council members.

“He will also be backed by the leadership at the state and national levels to revive Umno, and ensure Umno remains the biggest Malay political party.”

When asked how long Mohamad will carry out the duties of the president, Zahid said he could do so “until he no longer wishes to bear that responsibility anymore, or if he feels I can continue my job and responsibility”.

When asked why he did not resign, Zahid merely reiterated that he was taking the middle ground. He added that he would now function as a president without duties.

Before this, Zahid had resisted calls for him to give up his post as president, stating that he was elected by Umno members and not appointed to the post.

He said he could only be removed by two-thirds of members at an emergency general meeting.