Wings want top two party posts uncontested
UMNO’s three wings have thrown their support behind the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, calling for the top two posts to be uncontested in the next party polls.
This proposal was made so that Umno members could focus on the 14th general election, which, like the party polls, will be held next year.
The chiefs of the Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings set the tone in their policy speeches by proposing that Umno’s president and deputy president’s posts be uncontested.
Umno’s party polls were supposed to be held last year, but were postponed by 18 months to let the party prepare for GE14.
The party is led by Najib, but the position of deputy president is vacant after Umno sacked Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from the position last year. Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is the vice-president, has been carrying out the duties of deputy president.
Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said priority must be on the general election and asked the delegates not to dwell too much on the party polls and on which leader to choose.
“Let us go into the battlefield with a calm heart and clear mind. Do not be weighed down with questions on who to support later. So, let’s settle the question today so that we will no longer be bothered by it,” he said.
“With that, on this Umno Youth platform, we want to propose that when we do win the general election, the positions of both the president and deputy president be uncontested, and we give our fullest support to Datuk Seri Najib and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid to continue to helm this party.
“Throw out any uncertainty and insecurity, and let’s focus on delivering a big victory for Barisan,” he urged the delegates.
Wanita Umno made a similar call, with its chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil saying the two top posts should not be contested for the sake of party unity, stability and consensus.
“To our president, whose spirit is strong and determined, do know that our loyalty to you and the party is undivided.
“To Dr Ahmad Zahid, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and party leadership, I hereby declare the movement’s commitment and support to ensure that Umno remains strong to serve the people and face challenges that come our way,” she said.
Puteri chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said since Najib and Dr Ahmad Zahid make a good team, they should be allowed to continue leading the country and party.
“That’s why this movement is proposing that the top two positions in Umno not be contested.
“They should be given the opportunity to continue working together to strengthen not only the party, but also our country,” said Mas Ermieyati.