Zahid, who now faces 45 charges of corruption and breach of trust, said his position can only be decided at the Umno general assembly, not through calls which do not abide by the party’s constitution.

“I have decided to continue carrying out the duties of Umno president, together with the deputy president, vice-presidents, secretary-general and heads of the wings,” he said during a press conference held after a special meeting with the top leadership of Terengganu Umno here today.

Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki was reported to have urged Zahid to consider going on leave until his court case is settled.

Zahid was elected as Umno president for the 2018-2021 period at the party elections in June this year.