No contest for top two posts
Zahid wants Hishammuddin’s position to go unchallenged as well
UMNO will head towards the 14th general election with its top two posts uncontested while there is even a suggestion that one of the vice-president’s positions should go unchallenged.
The general assembly yesterday unanimously approved the motion of no-contest for the president and deputy president posts.
At the end of the debate on the presidential address, permanent chairman Tan Sri Badruldin Amiruddin called for a vote among the delegates on the motion by Umno Youth on Thursday.
Najib is currently party president while the deputy president’s seat has been vacant since the sacking of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last year.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, one of Umno’s three vicepresidents, is currently carrying out the duties of deputy president.
Datuk Mohamad Sahfri Ab Aziz, who tabled the motion, said it was not meant to sideline party elections but rather to show the spirit of loyalty and a winning mentality for GE14.
The issue was also raised by Puteri Umno representative Noor Aeiza Hassan, Wanita delegate Datuk Noriah Mahat of Johor and Selangor Umno’s Khairul Anuar Saimun.
Later, at a press conference, Dr Ahmad Zahid said the move would allow for the party to focus on preparing for the election instead of party polls and thanked the delegates for their support and trust in the top leadership.
He also suggested that besides the top two posts, one of the three vice-president seats should be reserved for Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, who is an incumbent.
Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal was the third Umno vice-president before being suspended from the party in June last year.
He later quit Umno to set up Parti Warisan Sabah.
Hishammuddin, who said he was
touched by the suggestion, added that this was part of a democratic process.
“Based on the spirit of friendship and solidarity, they understand that they should be focusing on the general election and this has been translated through the motion,” he said.