[UPDATED] Zahid lets Umno delegates decide if top two posts should be elected

KUALA LUMPUR – It is up to Umno delegates to decide if the party’s president and deputy president posts should be contested, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

In his policy speech at the Umno general assembly today, the party president acknowledged calls both for and against holding elections for the two top posts.

“There are those who want both these posts not to be contested, and there are those who also want an election.

“As someone confident in the democratic process, I leave it to the delegates to decide on this,” he said in his policy speech at the Umno general assembly for 2022, here, today. 

“I am confident that Umno members can evaluate those who are credible or otherwise,” he added.

In the run-up to the assembly, Umno leaders, including the chiefs of the party Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings, had urged that there be no contests for the top two posts to allow Umno to reconsolidate following its crushing defeat in the 15th general election and also to ensure the stability of the unity government that the party is in.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, has said he was willing to face any challenge for the Umno presidency, while his deputy Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, said he was also ready to face a contest but preferred if no election was held.

However, party delegates have appeared more eager for a contest, saying members should have the right to choose a leader.

Umno is not holding elections during the ongoing assembly but will have to do so by May 19, six months after the general election.

Zahid last night said the Umno Supreme Council did not discuss any motion on a no-contest for the top two posts. – The Vibes, January 13, 2023