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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright November 2023
In the latest episode of UMNO's political theatre, the alleged resignation saga of party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has unfolded like a poorly scripted drama. UMNO communications director Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, in his characteristic blunt fashion, dismisses the claims with a dose of cynicism, labelling the source, fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, as a "fraudster."
Lokman's attempt to debunk the rumours is laced with a tinge of exasperation, urging people to employ common sense and questioning why anyone would easily fall prey to RPK's posts. It seems the drama is not only confined to the purported resignation but also involves a clash of credibility between UMNO's communications director and the elusive blogger.
Amidst the political spectacle, Lokman lays out the hierarchy rulebook, emphasizing that if a president were to step down, the deputy takes charge, and so on. However, he swiftly dismisses any possibility of suspended vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein ascending to the acting president role, citing a six-year suspension.
RPK, not one to shy away from controversy, fires back, highlighting UMNO's failure to adhere to its own constitution by not addressing Lokman's suspension or those of other party leaders. The drama takes an international turn as RPK, stationed in Manchester, UK, delivers his critique in a video clip.
Yet, in the midst of this political ping-pong, RPK steers the narrative towards a more significant concern—the health of Zahid Hamidi. He advocates for a focus on leadership succession planning, questioning Zahid's reluctance to endorse the expected successor, deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan.
As the UMNO soap opera unfolds, the real issue at hand, according to RPK, is not the power plays or constitutional quibbles but the uncertainty surrounding Zahid's health.
In the midst of political manoeuvring, perhaps it's time for UMNO to prioritise the well-being of its leader and address the leadership vacuum with a touch of pragmatism rather than political rhetoric
But my advice to Zahid Hamidi, if I were in his place, is to walk away and enjoy life when he still has the time and the money to burn.
At the same time, thank God you are not languishing away in jail like your predecessor.
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