In a statement, party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will be replaced by Perlis menteri besar Azlan Man.

“This change is effective today,” he said. “A million thanks to Shahidan for his service throughout his tenure.”

This announcement comes ahead of the party’s next Supreme Council meeting tomorrow, where the party’s elections and its decision to withdraw support from the Perikatan Nasional-led government would be discussed.

Previously, Shahidan had appeared to defy the party’s stance against cooperating with PPBM, though days later, he pledged loyalty to the party’s leadership.

He also questioned the urgency for discussions on Umno’s cooperation with Bersatu, saying the general election is still far off.

When contacted by FMT and asked to comment on his removal from the post, Shahidan said he knew nothing about it.

“I have not seen (the news). I am not aware of it yet,” he said.