‘At least 96 divisions must table motion for president to step down’
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno can only remove its president and hold fresh polls when at least half of its divisions table a motion to do so.
Umno stalwart Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the party constitution stated that this could be pursued through a motion tabled in special meetings in divisions before it was taken to the Supreme Council.
“The condition is that half of the 191 divisions, which is 96, have to raise a motion and vote on whether they want their president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) to resign or go on leave.
“There is no timeline on when the divisions should raise the motion or have the meeting. It can be done whenever,” he said yesterday.
The filing of the motion begins with a special meeting by any branch, which is called through a written request filed by half of the branch members.
Clause 17.6 of the party constitution states that the division committee has to call for a special branch meeting within 14 days from the date of request, in the event the branch secretary fails to do so.
Then, calls for a special general assembly can be made when the divisions submit a written request supported by half of their delegates through a special delegates meeting on the same issue as per Clause 8.5 of the constitution.
In clause 8.6, the Umno secretary-general has to call for a special general assembly within 14 days of receiving the application and if he fails to do so, the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of the party’s permanent chairman or his deputy.
If there is no action by the party beyond 28 days after receiving the original application, the divisions can apply to have a special general assembly or call for it themselves on condition that all delegates are informed to attend by the divisions.
Apart from a written request from divisions, the assembly can also be convened at the behest of the Umno president or a written request by two-thirds of the Supreme Council, which is at least 24 of the 36 members.
Former Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and five of its leaders exited the party on Friday while demanding that Zahid step down.
Hamzah, who spoke on the group’s behalf, said the Bagan Datuk member of parliament had failed in his duty as president when Umno was facing a crisis of faith and confidence among its members and the people, especially Malays.
Later, Alor Star Umno Youth joined the call by saying Zahid would be a bigger man by stepping down to save the party.
Its leader, Syed Mohd Johan Rizal Syed Unan Mashri, said Zahid needed to quit to ensure that the party could forge ahead with rejuvenation plans.
Nazri said the movement to raise such motion could be spearheaded by former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who is Rembau division chief, as he was one of the first to propose fresh polls.
“If the demand was called by him, then it is he who should start the ball rolling by having a meeting in his division and raising a motion because he suggested the polls,” he added.
Umno legal adviser Datuk Hafarizam Harun said his office had stated its stand on calls for an extraordinary meeting to demand the removal of Zahid.
He said the party’s legal and constitutional stand was represented by Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who is now overseas.
“It’s better for him to make a decision and comment. I have given my legal views on this.”