KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 — Pasir Salak Umno chief Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman today backed calls for Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to become Umno deputy president, saying that such a move was befitting for someone who is the deputy prime minister.

“Does Pasir Salak agree that Zahid should become the Umno deputy president?” news portal Malaysiakini quoted Tajuddin as saying during a speech to 1,000 delegates at the division’s annual meeting.

The delegates reportedly shouted back in agreement to the Pasir Salak MP’s question.

“It is only fitting that the deputy prime minister is also the Umno deputy president,” Tajuddin was quoted saying.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Bagan Datoh MP, was also reported to be present at the same event.

There are currently rumours circulating that several people in Umno ― including Muhyiddin and vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal would be sacked from the party at its September 9 meeting.

Other Umno leaders have downplayed the rumours, and have urged party members to not to be caught up in speculation but to trust in the leadership of the party’s president and Prime Minister Najib.