KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured that the party polls were done democratically and fairly to all contesting the party’s leadership positions for the 2023-2026 term.
In a brief press conference after touring the media watch party at Menara Dato’ Onn just before midnight, the Bagan Datuk MP said he was satisfied with how the polls have been conducted so far.
“I am satisfied with the process but there must be a review so it is fair to all candidates as well as the delegates. There are more than 160,000 voting members so there are those who will not be satisfied but the party will address their concerns.
“I have received reports and also seen videos. I will discuss with the party election chairman (Tan Sri Shahrir Samad) if we need to suspend or carry out another poll for the affected divisions.”
Earlier, commotions broke out at the Lahad Datu and Johor Baru divisions during polling yesterday.
A fight was reported at the Lahad Datu division, believed to be a result of provocation, with two individuals injured.
The case is being investigated under Section 15(3) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and Section 323 of the Penal Code.
Previously, two Umno divisions – Tanah Merah in Kelantan, and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah – were barred from holding elections after they were suspended.
The Umno polls began on February 1 with branch annual meetings and elections, including for the Wanita, Youth, and Puteri wings.
They were followed by elections for Wanita, Youth and Puteri divisions, and for their national excos, which were held simultaneously throughout the country on March 11.
The Umno polls ended on Saturday with the divisional and Supreme Council polls, including for the three posts of vice-president.
The top two positions – president and deputy president – were uncontested. – The Vibes, March 19, 2023
