Zahid made the announcement at a Hari Raya function in Sungai Sumun in Perak in conjunction with the first anniversary of him being elected as party president.

He reminded the people that he had been elected, not appointed, as party president a year ago.

“I can no longer stand seeing the people being lied to and insulted.

“So beginning today, I am officially resuming my duties as Umno president,” he said, concluding his speech with cries of Hidup Umno.

Zahid said he will continue to struggle on, even with 80 charges brought against him, “even if 870 charges are brought against me; maybe even 8,700”.

“I can no longer see Umno being insulted. I can no longer see the struggle to place Islam, as the greatest religion in Malaysia and in the whole world, being boxed in and stomped upon.

“I can no longer stand seeing Malays being sidelined. I can no longer stand seeing the people being lied to, being insulted, and being treated badly.”

Zahid told the crowd that he had previously stepped away to ensure Umno remained united.

Last night, former prime minister and Umno president Najib Razak said Zahid does not need the approval of the Umno Supreme Council to resume his duties as party president.

He said according to the party’s constitution, Zahid is still the head of the party because he was rightfully elected to the position.

“Zahid had made the decision himself to go on garden leave. It is up to him whether he wants to come back. But according to the party constitution, he has the right to lead as he was given the mandate to do so.”

Zahid went on garden leave on Dec 18 last year apparently to stem the tide of Umno elected representatives leaving the party. Since then, his deputy, Mohamad Hasan, has been acting president.

Earlier, in his speech, Zahid told the crowd that the open house was a joint programme between Umno and PAS in Bagan Datuk.

“This programme is a commitment shown by Umno and PAS, more so on the back of PAS approving the political cooperation between PAS and Umno during its recent muktamar.

“God willing, with Barisan Nasional, this political cooperation will be received consensually, as an endorsement, a recognition of the leadership of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.”

Beyond that, regardless of his position at the state and federal level, he is committed to ensuring the cooperation is never betrayed.