KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today that the Opposition leader's post will be retained by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, following the former's return from his garden leave yesterday.

"I have taken the decision to retain the agreement met by the Opposition MPs, while I was on leave, for Ismail Sabri to be the Opposition leader.

"At the moment there will be separation of power in the tasks between myself, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Ismail Sabri, as well as Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid as the Opposition chief whip,” he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby here today.

Mohamad Hasan, or commonly known as Tok Mat, was appointed Umno’s acting while Zahid went on leave.

Zahid said he had met with Mohamad earlier to discuss party matters.

"My priority is to see Umno continue to be accepted by the people and remain relevant in the national political landscape.

In response to the 87 criminal charges he is currently facing, Zahid said the court cases were an individual matter and does not relate to the party.

"Let me face it personally in court; it does not involve Umno as a political organisation.

"I have left that to my lawyers to manage, but this will not disrupt my duties as Umno president, or as a Parliament member,” he said.

On Thursday, Zahid had claimed trial to 33 charges, which brings the total charges to 87 counts.

He yesterday announced the return to his position as Umno president after ending his six-month garden leave.

The former deputy prime minister said the announcement was made in conjunction with his first anniversary as party president.