Presidential election allows party’s democracy to flourish: Umno grassroots  

KUALA LUMPUR – The mood among some Umno grassroots members seems to favour open contests for the party’s top post, despite division heads’ appeal to maintain the status quo.

Several delegates surveyed at the party’s 2022 assembly which began last night said they welcome the chance to exercise their right to vote for the president. However, some also said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should continue leading the party.

While there will be no election in the ongoing assembly, party polls must be held by May, and the assembly is seen as a curtain raiser to that. 

Conventionally, Umno has not had challenges to the presidency in past elections to ensure unity and stability. In fact, Umno has only had four internal polls in its over 70 years of history – in 1951, 1978, 1987, and most recently, 2018. Its last two elections for president were held at a time of internal party turmoil.

The decision not to have elections for the top two posts can be made by the Supreme Council or president, but there are also suggestions that it should come from the floor as a motion during the ongoing assembly for it to be approved.

Delegates interviewed by The Vibes said the presidency should be contested to truly practice democracy within the party. 

This comes amid speculation that the likes of Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Khairy Jamaluddin and other high-profile leaders could be making a bid for top positions. It also follows Umno and Barisan Nasional’s (BN) crushing defeat in the 15th general election in November under Zahid’s leadership – making him the key person to blame. 

Zahid has been saved, however, by agreeing to work with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and bringing Umno on board the unity government, of which he is now a deputy prime minister.

Alor Gajah Umno Youth information chief, Rahmat Hasim, said he welcomed anyone who wants to contest the Umno presidency.

“The presidency needs to be elected by the grassroots. So we also request the delegates to make the best decision regarding Umno leadership,” he said.  

Ranau division youth delegate, Suhendro Hardsyah, said that a contest for the top post was needed to re-establish the party’s status as a democratic outfit.

“We must welcome healthy competition, which is encouraging (for party members) and at the same time upholds democracy,”

“Our president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as well as (leaders such as) Khairy Jamaluddin have their own strengths respectively. 

“So, I hope that the democracy within the party will prevail with the selection of the president,” he said.  

Ampang Puteri Umno information chief Faiza Rosly echoed these sentiments but added that a contest should only be held with the president’s approval.

“In my opinion, it is fine if Khairy wants to compete for the president’s post. 

“We are actually okay to have an election to elect a new president if our current president approves it.

“If our president does not approve the election, we still have to comply with the instructions from the leadership,” she said.

The top two Umno leaders, Zahid and his deputy Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, have both said they are ready to face a contest. 

During his run for the Sg Buloh parliamentary seat in the recent general election, former health minister Khairy had stated his intention to become the prime minister and to contest the Umno presidency.

However, Khairy was defeated in GE15, and the seat was won by PKR’s Datuk R. Ramanan. 

‘Zahid should remain president’

Meanwhile, Manong assemblyman Mohammad Zuraimi Razali said he hoped Zahid would remain as party president as he had won democratically in the previous election in 2018.

“We democratically elected him, thus there is no reason to have another person in line to replace him. Zahid is someone who has been influential in shaping the party into what it is now. 

“The opportunity should definitely be given to him to remain president,” he added.  

Expressing similar sentiments, Kuala Kangsar Umno delegate Ismail Mortar said that Zahid has made plenty of contributions to the party and the grassroots members. 

“I will support Zahid in defending the presidency because he has a lot of strategies to unite the party.

“We want the unity in our party to grow stronger with his support (and leadership),” he said.  

Umno Hulu Selangor information chief, Mustafa Kamal Husin, said Zahid should remain the president as he had long-term experience with the post.  

“Even though it is a democratic party, I think we need to give the long-time president Zahid to continue holding the post.

“We don’t want any separation or division in Umno,” he said. – The Vibes, January 12, 2023