KUALA LUMPUR – Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan is ready to defend his party post although he would prefer no contests to maintain unity.
“Since Umno is currently recovering from our defeat (in the recent general elections), contests over the president’s post and other high positions could cause disunity (in the party),” he said.
“But if there is anyone who wants to come up against me for the deputy presidency, I will defend (my post),” the Rembau MP told reporters after delivering his speech to Umno wings at the party’s general assembly here last night.
Mohamad, who is also known as Tok Mat, said Umno today is different from how it used to be in the past, saying: “It is very easy now if you want to contest for specific positions in the party. All you need is supporters, then off you go.”
Last week, it was reported that former Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein may challenge Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the Umno presidency, while former Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin is said to be eyeing Mohamad’s post.
During the 15th general election, Umno suffered a crushing loss, winning only 26 parliamentary seats, its worst electoral performance ever.
Umno is due to hold its internal election by May this year, with the party constitution stipulating that the polls shall be held within six months after a general election.
The party’s 2022 general assembly began yesterday and will take place until Saturday at the World Trade Centre. – The Vibes, January 12, 2022
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