One of the banners hoisted by the crowd bore the words “Lawan tetap lawan”, a popular war cry among PKR supporters and leaders, including Anwar Ibrahim.

Ramalan Yunus, the group’s spokesman, urged those who opposed Zahid to halt their calls for the president to resign.

He claimed that Barisan Nasional (BN) did not “lose” in the recently concluded general election, saying there would be a winner at the polls if the coalition had lost.

“He needs to remain as Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman,” Ramalan said.

BN only won 30 seats in GE15, its worst electoral performance ever, prompting certain leaders and members to call for Zahid’s resignation.

They include Khairy Jamaluddin, Noh Omar, Shahril Hamdan and Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

MCA also called for Zahid to step down as BN chairman, citing his letter to the King stating the coalition’s support for Anwar as prime minister.

MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said this letter went against BN’s stand to remain in the opposition and not back anyone seeking to form the government.

MCA, MIC and PBRS had submitted no-confidence motions against Zahid for allegedly betraying the BN Supreme Council’s previous decision to abstain from supporting any party in forming the government.