KUALA LUMPUR – Many Umno division chiefs are in agreement with the party’s Supreme Council decision to postpone its polls for 18 months, following the reported announcement by deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan earlier today.
Both Mohamad and Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman cited the Covid-19 pandemic for the delay, and invoked the party’s constitution for the 18-month deferment.
However, a party insider told The Vibes that one of the main reasons division chiefs are backing this decision is due to the looming shadow of snap polls at the federal level.
“Do you think the division chiefs want a party election? We are nearing the general election (GE),” said a source, who requested anonymity.
He added that Umno cannot afford an internal leadership contest while gearing up to face its political rivals on the national stage.
Confronting both an internal election and a general election at nearly the same time would throw the leadership into disarray, sowing chaos within the ranks of Malaysia’s oldest Malay-based political party.
In a trickle-down effect, such a move would likely result in confusion and disorganisation at all party levels.
Therefore, the announcement was much welcomed by the grassroots leadership, said the source.
“Besides, with the delay, they (division chiefs) can remain in power without contest for a while longer,” the Umno man close to the party’s national and Johor leaderships said with a chuckle.
“It will also then be easier for the division chiefs to be selected as GE candidates.
“At the same time, should we have a party election, there would be problems with the Supreme Council.”
A change in party leadership would also create problems in preparations for an election held soon after.
“We need time to prepare and we can’t be rudderless or have a new captain charting our course suddenly,” he said.
However, the source revealed that the party’s Johor chapter has yet to be officially informed by the Supreme Council of the decision.
“That’s a small matter. There’s no rush,” he said. – The Vibes, June 25, 2021
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