AS discontent brews among Umno members following Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim’s removal as Perlis Umno chief, an Umno veteran said that such positions come under the prerogative of the party president.
“It is the party president’s prerogative to appoint or remove state chiefs. Besides, Perlis is a small state and the rumblings among small factions may not affect Umno that much,” said former Selangor Umno chief Dr Khir Toyo.
Two days ago, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi removed Shahidan as Perlis Umno chief and replaced him with state Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Azlan Man.
The Bagan Datuk MP made the move just a day before Umno held its supreme council meeting. While Shahidan is not a supreme council member, the Arau MP attends the meetings in his capacity as state chief.
Shahidan is seen friendly towards Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), along with Tan Sri Annuar Musa. The latter was removed as Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary general two months ago.
Several Perlis Umno leaders have voiced objection on the removal, with Arau Umno deputy chief Salim Dahaman said the grassroots would continue supporting Shahidan, who is also Arau Umno chief.
“Shahidan should continue leading Perlis Umno based on his contributions in helping Umno win two (out of three) Parliamentary seats and 10 state seats in the 14th General Election, which led to the formation of the BN Government in Perlis,” Bernama reported Salim as saying.
Following the removal, Shahidan has vowed to make “exposes” against Zahid after the Hari Raya celebrations.
Touching on the matter, Khir said that Shahidan should come clean with party members on why Zahid made the decision.
“From the party’s view point, Zahid acted within his authority. Besides, the tradition has always been that the state Menteri Besar would also hold the state Umno chief post,” the former Selangor Menteri Besar added. – April 26, 2021
