United front: Ahmad Zahid and Mohamad posing for photos after the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno delegates have given their overwhelming support to a motion of no contest for the party president and deputy president posts in the coming party polls, despite small pockets of resistance.
This means Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will remain Umno president and deputy president, respectively, for another term.
The motion was passed through a voice vote at 4.55pm yesterday, the last day of the Umno general assembly.
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The delegates gave it a resounding yes.
Terengganu Umno chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said 90% of the delegates had supported the motion.
“Over 90% of the delegates agreed to the no-contest motion for the president and deputy president posts.
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“The main reason was to ensure that Umno can focus on its preparations to face the upcoming state elections,” he said.
If contests were held, they would lead to further divisions within the party, he added.
The issue had dominated the general assembly, with delegates at the Youth, Wanita, and Puteri meetings as well as at the main assembly presenting their views on it.
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Umno polls must be held before May 19, six months after the conclusion of the 15th General Election (GE15).
Earlier, the general assembly heard delegates presenting their arguments on why there should or should not be any contest for the two posts.
Sabah delegate Ghazalie Ansing spoke about the importance of loyalty to the leadership in order for Umno to remain strong and united.
Sabah Umno would ensure that all the votes from its 25 divisions would be for the president and deputy president, he added.
“Believe me, for as long as we are loyal to the party and our leaders, no storm nor challenge can sway us,” he said.
Umno veterans club secretary-general Datuk Mustapha Yaakub argued that the top two posts should not be contested in the upcoming polls.
“Since our losses in GE15, Umno veterans are of the view that there is no necessity to open the two top party positions for contest.
“Why? Is it because I like Zahid? Is it because I like Mat Hasan (Mohamad)? Veterans are not like that. We veterans only think about Umno,” he said, adding that the club always prioritised the party’s interests.
Wanita delegate Suziyana Mahayuddin said there should not be any pressure that could threaten Umno’s stability.
“We must allow the president and his deputy to do their work. Our role is to support them.
“Let those outside say what they like.
“What is important is that we do what is needed to strengthen Umno,” she said.
Perlis delegate Hamizan Hasan also supported the no-contest motion, saying that for Umno’s survival, the party needs stability.
While accepting that contests are important for democracy, he reminded delegates that democracy was not perfect and could be manipulated.
“The concept (of democracy) is not cast in stone. It can be changed to suit current realities. Let the two leaders remain to lead the party,” he said.
However, representatives from Johor and the Federal Territories gave opposing views on the matter.
Any decision to contest the top two positions in Umno must consider the betterment and sustainability of the party, said Johor delegate Datuk Pandak Ahmad.
In his speech, he said he disagreed with the motion to not open the contest for the president and deputy president posts.
“Johor Umno would like to ask, until when do we want to ride behind the excuse of party unity or party stability?
“If Umno really wants party unity and stability, why stop a contest for the president and deputy president posts only?
“Why not all the positions at the divisions and branches level? That is what we call party unity and stability.
“Why don’t you table a motion so that all positions do not have to be contested?” he argued while debating the president’s policy speech.
Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Mohd Rafique said Federal Territories Umno also did not support the motion for the top two posts not to be contested.
“Various views have been issued on this matter by party members. But the issue must be given serious consideration or it will have a negative impact on the party, especially from the Malay voters outside who are watching our every move.
“Surely, whoever is elected president and deputy will receive resounding support from the party.
“But if the posts are not contested, I am worried that those outside will judge us. Let us think about it carefully,” he said, adding that he supported the views of the Johor delegate.
In May last year, Umno amended its constitution to allow the party’s election to be held within six months after the conclusion of the general election.
Party polls must therefore be held before May 19 this year.
