KHAIRY Jamaluddin has urged Umno to hold elections for the positions of party president and deputy president.

The former Rembau MP opposed the 140 Umno division chiefs, who came out in support of skipping the process in the name of party stability.

“Stop this madness. (Umno president) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is a fighter who does not fear taking on challengers.

“Make room for contests. Don’t kill off democracy in Umno,” he posted on Instagram. 

Umno Wangsa Maju division chief Mohd Shafei Abdullah yesterday said that 140 Umno division chiefs were against any contest for top positions. 

He said the party’s current focus should be on preparing to face the six state elections expected later this year.

“A total of 126 Umno division chiefs were present tonight, although another 14 were absent as they were attending the 2022 Umno General Assembly.

“All have agreed that the positions (president and deputy president) should not be contested.

“In order to face six more state elections this year, we need a strong Umno, so we hope the Zahid will take this view into account,” he said after a closed-door meeting with fellow chiefs in Kuala Lumpur. – January 12, 2023.