Johor polls not discussed during audience with King, Regent, says Zahid

JOHOR BAHRU, May 11 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail at Istana Besar here today did not involve discussions on the upcoming Johor state election.

He said the discussions mainly centred on Umno’s 80th anniversary celebrations, which were held here today.

“We met, but I did not touch on (the Johor state election) at all. The discussions were more on national issues.

“I would like to state that this was just a normal audience,” he told reporters after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting at the party’s Johor headquarters in Jalan Yahya Awal here today.

Also present were Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and the party’s top leadership.

Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, said the Johor state election was likewise not discussed during the Supreme Council meeting.

He said the matter would only be raised with Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi once consent is granted.

On his meeting with Tunku Mahkota Ismail, Zahid described it as significant for Umno as it coincided with the party’s anniversary celebrations in Johor Bahru, the birthplace of the party.

He said Tunku Mahkota Ismail was pleased to attend and meet with Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders.

“We know that the establishment of Umno on May 11, 1946, was held at Istana Besar in Johor Bahru.

“This is not just nostalgia, but something memorable that will be appreciated by all party members,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zahid expressed hope that Johoreans would continue to appreciate the contributions made by Onn Hafiz’s administration following the state’s economic growth.

“We hope the growth will continue to bring prosperity to Johoreans as a whole,” he said.

Earlier, Umno leaders led by Zahid attended a prayer session in conjunction with the party’s anniversary celebrations.

Those present also recreated the historic 1946 group photograph at the grand staircase of Istana Besar in Johor Bahru.

Umno was founded during a gathering of Malay leaders at the palace’s grand staircase on May 11, 1946, a moment often regarded as the party’s birthplace.