KUALA LUMPUR – The Umno gallery has made their aspirations for all party posts to be open for contest very clearly at the party’s annual general assembly (AGM) this year, breaking away from the established tone leading up to the four-day event this week.
Currently, the narrative is that the party president and deputy president posts should not face any open challenges, on the notion that it could possibly add towards political instability to the unity government currently led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This justification, however, has been viewed as mostly untenable, as the party has suffered from its most embarrassing general election (GE15) result to date, leading to grassroots members calling for a much-needed “reset” within the party.
The motion of no contest will be the major discussion in Umno’s supreme council meeting tonight, among other motions that was brought forward in the party’s three wings.
No-contest most likely
The result of this motion will be made known likely tomorrow, with the Umno delegation expected to vote on the matter if it is brought forward.
In terms of perspective, party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s loyalists have portrayed the Bagan Datuk MP as the one who had successfully navigated the party through a crushing defeat, in addition to being a “kingmaker” pivotal in the unity government’s formation.
On the other spectrum, Zahid has been labelled as one who has “entrapped” the party in its current position and must thus be challenged to prove his legitimacy as president.
Thus far, the mood among speeches by party delegates seem to be leaning towards a no-contest motion, on the grounds that there are larger considerations at play than just rebuilding the party post-GE15.
“At the moment, there is still a perception that the government remains less stable as long as the issue of the Umno elections remains an open-ended question.
“By securing the top two positions, this largely secures Umno and BN’s support for the unity government.
“It is not that party leaders, or even the president himself, are unaware or unable to budge on the issue, but there are larger considerations, and this will help the party to rebuild, moving forward.
“We just need a stable ship and a sound strategy in the long run,” said a senior Umno leader, who preferred not to be named.
This sentiment was echoed earlier today by the party’s three wing chiefs – that it is better for both Zahid and deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to remain in their respective posts uncontested.
Outgoing Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki even positioned the party president as the “centre of gravity” for the party and thus warrants such protection.
Zahid portrayed as ‘hero’
There is also a sobering realisation that even if the top two posts were to be open to challengers, there aren’t any likely contenders to take on Zahid and his camp.
Any contenders would be hard-pressed to even campaign effectively as most division leaders, with some stating as many as 140, have thrown their support for Zahid and supported the motion for a no-contest.
“At the end of the day, Zahid would look like a hero for opening the field to any challenges, because he knows there isn’t enough support for the remaining contenders.
“Yes, people will clap, shout and make a lot of noise, but it’s largely a near pointless endeavour,” said another senior party leader from Perak.
Zahid has since come out briefly, stating that he is ready to fight, during a brief encounter with former Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin earlier today.
Khairy has alluded that he is opting to contest the position should the top two posts be open for challenges.
Similarly, party deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has also voiced his readiness to face an open contest.
However, he acknowledged that intense polls would create further division within the party.
Currently, there are 189 division leaders in Umno as two others, Arau and Tanah Merah, have been suspended.
In the past, the Umno AGM has always passed this motion of no contest for the top two posts almost unanimously via a hand vote.
As an example, former party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak has never faced any challenges to his post since 2009 until his resignation in 2018.
It was only in 2018 that Zahid had opened the top two positions to be contested. – The Vibes, January 12, 2023
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