UMNO deputy president Mohamad Hasan said he would defend his position if there is a contest for the president and deputy president positions in the party polls in 2026.

However, he said it must be done the right way without causing party members to be divided.

“I will defend my position as the deputy president. 

“Winning or losing is part of the competition and commonly practised in a healthy democracy.

“These party elections aim to strengthen and empower the party, especially for a well-organised organisation like Umno,” he said after officiating the Tenggara Umno division delegates’ meeting at Dewan Sri Sayong, Felda Sungai Sayong, Kota Tinggi.

On a separate issue, he said Umno supports the government’s plan to improve the anti-party hopping law.

Mohamad said the law should be amended so that strict action, including vacating seats, could be taken against members of parliament (MPs) who show they are not aligned with their party.

He said a strict law was also needed to prevent MPs from party hopping.

“In my opinion, it is good for us to review the anti-party hopping law and if it is not reviewed, it should be corrected to create a law similar to that used in England.” he said.

He said Umno proposed the anti-party-hopping law after the party was “injured” due to many of its MPs “hopping out” of the party after the 2018 general election. – July 13, 2024