‘LEAVE TOP TWO POSTS UNCONTESTED’
UMNO’S three wings state categorically that Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should not be challenged for the posts of president and deputy president, respectively. This resolve is driven by the desire to see members coalesce in
We need their leadership, not just to win the election, but to fulfil the people’s hopes and aspirations. DATUK MAS ERMIEYATI SAMSUDIN Puteri Umno chief Wanita wishes to make clear our stand to support the call... for the posts of party president and deputy president not to be contested. TAN SRI SHAHRIZAT ABDUL JALIL Wanita Umno chief We give our fullest support to Najib and Zahid... throw out any uncertainty and insecurity, and now let’s focus on delivering a big victory for BN. KHAIRY JAMALUDDIN Umno Youth chief
UMNO’S three wings yesterday univocally said the top two posts in the party should be left uncontested when the party elections are held next year.
The top leaders of the wings said this would allow not only 100 per cent focus on preparations for the 14th General Election (GE14), but also retain the strength of the party.
Collectively, they wanted to see harmony and unity at the top, which could be emulated by other leaders at national and state levels.
Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil pledged full support for any suggestion to leave the president and deputy president’s posts uncontested to maintain unity among members.
“Wanita wishes to make clear our stand to support the call by Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein for the posts of party president and deputy president to not be contested in the next party election,” she said.
That proposal drew applause from the 973 delegates in the Tun Dr Ismail Hall, Putra World Trade Centre, here.
Shahrizat wanted delegates to emulate party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s resilience in facing the slander and lies levelled against him, which eventually led to the party regaining its strength in facing the next general election.
She pointed out that Najib had remained steadfast in his pledge to serve the party and the people despite facing numerous tests and challenges.
Najib, she said, had projected a winning mentality, which should be emulated by members as they worked towards gaining an overwhelming majority in GE14.
Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said Najib and vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is carrying out the duties of the deputy, should remain at the helm.
“We give our fullest support to Najib and Zahid to continue helming this party. Throw out any uncertainty and insecurity, and now let’s focus on delivering a big victory for BN,” Khairy said at the wing’s assembly.
He said it was only logical that Zahid be allowed to assume the deputy president’s post uncontested.
Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the two top posts should be left uncontested to allow the leaders to continue strengthening the party even after the general election.
“We must support them and allow them to direct their efforts to win the general election. We need their leadership, not just to win the election, but to fulfil the people’s hopes and aspirations.
“This is also one way to maintain unity in the party. A strong and united Umno will be the envy of the opposition,” she said.
Meanwhile, observers said the unity shown by the wings’ leaders was a refreshing vibe that would enable members to focus on the general election.
The single voice would also negate attempts by the opposition to pit the leaders against each another.