KUALA LUMPUR: Melaka Umno today has suggested for top three posts in the party; president, deputy president and vice-president not to be contested in the next party election.
Former Melaka chief minister Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam said they have also suggested three names for the posts; Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (president), Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (deputy president) and Khairy Jamaluddin (vice-president).
Ali, who is also Umno Bukit Katil division chief, said other posts however were open for contest and called for new faces especially at division and wing levels.
“We want Umno to come back stronger, therefore we do not want the top three posts to be contested. .
“Umno members must also continue supporting the three (Zahid, Hishammuddin and Khairy) in these testing times.
“Umno must have a ‘nakhoda’ (commander) so it can continue to move forward.
“We must remember that Umno has become an opposition party, therefore we must be stronger,” he said when met at Menara Dato’ Onn here today.
Earlier, Ali was present at Umno headquarters with Melaka Umno leaders; among them chairman Datuk Seri Dr Idris Haron and Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
He said the group went to meet Zahid and Umno executive secretary Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to discuss on divisions meetings that start today.
“We leave this matter to the grassroots level to bring any motions to be discussed in an effort to further strengthen the party, particularly on new committees at division and wing levels.
“We need to open the door to the new leaders who are credible, sincere, loyal, honest and always fighting for the party.
“We cannot afford to choose those who just want posts,” he said, adding that he has no intention to contest in the party’s election.