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FORMER members of political parties should relinquish their roles as trustees of any associated organisations, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, emphasising that such responsibilities must be handed back once individuals are no longer affiliated with the party.
Speaking at a press conference after launching the Pahang Rail Academy at Yayasan Pahang on Friday, Ahmad Zahid — who also serves as UMNO president — stressed the importance of returning ownership of party-held assets to the organisation.
“When someone no longer holds a position in any organisation, especially a political organisation that entrusted them to be a trustee, they should relinquish that responsibility," he said.
His remarks come in the wake of UMNO’s legal bid to regain control of a parcel of land measuring 9,723 square metres in Kuala Lumpur. The party has filed an originating summons in court, seeking a declaration for the official transfer of ownership to UMNO.
The land in question — listed as Grant 78154, Lot 40, Section 51 in the federal capital — is currently held in trust under the names of former senior political figures: the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, Tun Musa Hitam, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and the late Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.
UMNO is seeking to reclaim the property under Clause 27.1 of its party constitution and Section 9 of the Societies Act 1966.
Without naming anyone specifically, Ahmad Zahid revealed that one individual has yet to sign the documents required to release their trustee role, while others have already complied.
UMNO’s action, Ahmad Zahid explained, is not new. "It’s been a while. It’s just that the issue was raised today, so I have to respond," he said, in response to questions about the timing of the legal move.
Ahmad Zahid also weighed in on a recent claim by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who alleged that he had been flagged under the ‘Travel Control Office/Order’ (TCO) status at border checkpoints.
Ahmad Zahid dismissed the claim, suggesting it may be a political ploy ahead of the Ayer Kuning state by-election.
“The Home Minister (Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail) has already said there’s no such (TCO) status… maybe it’s just to seek sympathy because of the Ayer Kuning by-election," Ahmad Zahid said.
The by-election, set for 26 April, was called following the death of the Ayer Kuning assemblyman, Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, who passed away due to a heart attack on 25 February. – April 11, 2025
