Former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo views Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as a successful leader because he had managed to lift the party out of the gutter after it lost the 14th General Election.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, he said Umno is now sought-after following its performance in recent state elections.

Although Zahid is currently embroiled in various controversial cases in court, Khir still views Zahid as a president who has a direction for the party.