KUALA LUMPUR: Umno delegates have welcomed the party’s new electoral system which is being implemented for the first time this year as they feel it can eradicate money politics at the divisional and top levels.
They described the system as more transparent and as a bridge between the grass roots members and the party’s highest leadership.
Keramat Tengah branch (Titiwangsa division) Youth Chief Noore’sham Abu Bakar, 38, said the system would dismiss the numerous allegations about the practice of money politics.
“This is apparent through the simultaneous delegates meetings and limited campaign period, which played an important part to prevent such (money politics) matters,” he told Bernama before attending the Titiwangsa Umno Division meeting which was held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here yesterday.
The Umno divisional and Supreme Council delegates meeting commenced simultaneously at 191 divisions at 8am yesterday.
The meetings were later adjourned to make way for the elections. Yesterday’s elections revolve around the posts of Vice-Presidents and Supreme Council members with no contests for the top two positions of President and Deputy President.
Meanwhile, Kampung Limau branch (Titiwangsa division) chairman Azlan Katan, 46, denied claims of manipulation by certain quarters with vested interest in the divisional or national level leadership selection.
Admitting that popularity was an important factor, he added that: “For sure there are candidates who try to lobby but ultimately the delegates are the ones who make the choice, without being influenced.” He said a stiffer competition was expected today and last week’s trend at the Wanita, Youth and Puteri elections should not be used as a yardstick.
Umno veteran Kamarudin Awang, 60, said the new system would prevent cheating during the election process as the branch level delegates could know and monitor the divisional decisions.
“We can evaluate and work together from the grass roots level to strengthen Umno’s struggle,” he said.
Wanita Setiawangsa division chief Hairunnisha Ismail, 65, said it was the best system as it could prevent problems from arising throughout the election process following the establishment of a monitoring committee by the national level.
“Even if there are shortcomings, it’s a normal matter as this is the first time. It can always be improved,” she said.
Whereas, Menara Seri Jati Puteri Umno Branch (Setiawangsa division) chief Razmalina Razali, 35, said the new method was a form of appreciation to the grass roots by giving them an important role in the selection of the leadership line up to determine the future of the party. — Bernama