Langkawi Umno rejects
return to old election
system
Its chief Nazifuddin Najib says the previous ‘delegates system’ goes against democratic principles.
Langkawi Umno division chief Nazifuddin Najib said the old system had not only become irrelevant to current political realities but also went against the principles of democracy and openness championed by Umno, Berita Harian reported.
“I firmly reject the proposal. As a party that champions democracy and openness, returning to the old, non-inclusive system is a step backward,” he was quoted as saying.
He was asked to comment on claims that Umno was planning to revert to its old system where some 2,500 delegates would choose the party’s top office bearers at the polls which are held during the general assembly.
Nazifuddin, who is the son of former prime minister Najib Razak, said the system currently in place ensures the selection of the party’s top echelons is fair and transparent.
“The right to choose Umno’s central leadership should be maintained, with the grassroots having their say, and not limited to the delegates sent to the Umno general assembly.
“The proposal to give voting rights to only the delegates present at the assembly also raises concerns of money politics,” he said.
He said Umno’s top leadership should be more aware of the grassroots voices and ensure all changes to its electoral process are based on democratic principles.
In January, Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said the party is considering amending its electoral process as part of a broader structural change in view of current challenges.
Last July, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was also reported to have said the party was prepared to look into proposals to amend the regulations on its election system.
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