The former law minister said resigning amid serious charges before being proven guilty was both naive and impractical in the current political landscape where he said laws are often weaponised against political opponents.

“Imagine if (Donald) Trump (during his first stint as US president) had resigned when he was charged with felonies in New York. Democrats would have won,” he said in an X post.

Trump, who will be sworn in as the US’s 47th president, was found guilty in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up payments to a porn star.

“In today’s world, everything is about power,” Zaid said.

“Make sure you win in Sabah, Bung. Make some deals; that’s what is needed.”

Bung had been urged to step down following the Court of Appeal’s order for him and his wife to enter their defence on charges of corruption and abetment over a RM150 million Felcra investment.

Sabah rights activist James Ligunjang said it was crucial for political leaders accused of wrongdoing to take a temporary leave of absence until their names were cleared.

Acknowledging the importance of ethical leadership, Zaid nevertheless said that this did not seem to “count for much in this country”.

He said examples of inconsistencies included the ambiguity surrounding the prime minister’s legitimacy after an election and the failure to enforce anti-hopping laws.

“So Bung Moktar, you stay on as Umno chief.”