UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the contest for the posts of president and deputy president should be decided by the delegates at its annual general assembly. 

Zahid said as someone who believes in the democratic process, he will leave it to the delegates to decide.

“I heard a lot of opinions that touched on the issue of party elections, especially the main positions of president and deputy president. 

“There are those who want these two positions to stay uncontested and there are also those who think otherwise.

“So, we leave it to the members to decide. However, I am confident that Umno members will judge rightly.

“As the young people would say judge between what is original and what is fake,” he said when delivering his policy speech at the party’s general assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur this morning.

Yesterday, Khairy Jamaluddin had 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. 

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

He said the party’s current focus should be on preparing to face the six state elections expected later this year. – January 13, 2023.