Following his defeat in the 15th General Election (GE15) and Barisan Nasional’s (BN) dismal overall showing in the polls, UMNO information chief Shahril Hamdan has resigned from his post. Moreover, on the way out, Shahril also called upon BN chairman and UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to do the same and resign from both posts.
As reported by Malay Mail, Shahril announced his resignation in a statement today and agreed with the call by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for Zahid to step down. Shahril, who contested and lost the Parliamentary seat in Alor Gajah in GE15 asserted,
“Without disrespecting him as an individual, I am of the view that the Umno’s No.1 leader and BN chairman needs to set an example by leading the process of taking responsibility for this defeat — by withdrawing honourably.”
UMNO president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
“Let the leadership and other individuals lead the discussion on making the next big decision for this party,”
The now ex-UMNO information chief further said that Zahid should resign before the party holds discussions or makes any decision on his status as president. Shahril elaborated that his resignation was made in the spirit of collective responsibility following UMNO and BN’s lacklustre performance in the polls.
Despite his resignation, Shahril iterated his loyalty to UMNO and stressed that the party’s struggles are not over and the showing in GE15 is not the end for the party. As of the time of writing, Zahid has not issued any statements regarding his position as UMNO president and BN chairman.
So, what do you guys think of Shahril’s resignation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Johor MB Tells Zahid Hamidi To Immediately Resign As UMNO President
