THE Umno general assembly (PAU) today approved a motion that the positions of party president and deputy president not be contested in the coming party polls.

The matter was confirmed by Terengganu Umno chairman Ahmad Said, who said that the matter was decided by a large majority of the delegates.

“It has been approved, only a few people did not support it, 90% (representation) gave open support.

“It looks like Umno delegates are ready to discuss and debate any motion before voting on it. In the end more than 90% of the delegates supported the proposal so that a contest does not take place,” he told reporters.

He said the motion was approved through a show of hands by the delegates.

Earlier, Umno leaders have dismissed former Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin’s allegation that delegates were “imported” into Dewan Merdeka to ensure there is no contest for the top two posts in the upcoming party elections.

Selangor Umno chairman Megat Zulkarnain Omardin said the allegation is baseless, considering that Umno leaders, who are delegates, know each other.

“There is no question of improper representation entering the assembly. This is quite a shameful statement (by Khairy),” said the Gombak Umno division chief.

“We recognise the people here. If we have never gone down to the grassroots, then we wouldn’t know (who are the representatives here).

It was reported Khairy had alleged that “dirty tactics” have been employed to ensure there is no contest for the top two posts at the Umno General Assembly. 

Umno Information Chief Hizatul Isham Abdul Jalil also denied Khairy’s claim on social media. 

Isham said that there are security personnel at the Umno General Assembly to ensure that things such as Khairy’s allegation will not happen. –  January 14, 2023.