KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has welcomed Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s decision to contest the party’s top post in the upcoming party elections.
He however cautioned that the party could be split into two as it had in 1987 during the Gua Musang MP’s first bid for its presidency.
“I will open heartedly accept anyone who wins the race so that a strong Umno leadership can be reforged.”
“But Umno cannot split into two as it had taken place in 1987 even though we are now more open in our ways,” Zahid said in a statement today.
He is believed to have been alluding to the split that caused Umno to be deregistered. This was sparked by a chain of events following Tengku Razaleigh’s first bid for the presidency against Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad 31 years ago.
The latter, who was the serving his first tenure as Prime Minister, managed to retain his position, leaving Tengku Razaleigh unsatisfied with the results.
The dispute that ensued caused Umno to split into two separate entities while forcing the court to declare Umno an illegal organisation. Shortly after the court ruling, Dr Mahathir re-established Umno Baru as a much diminished splinter of the former party.
Zahid further said Tengku Razaleigh’s announcement was proof of Umno’s commitment that all posts are open for contest which projects a more democratic Umno.
He said that the party had to be strengthened despite its performance in the 14th General Elections while emphasizing the need for members to work as a team.
“The priority of looking after Umno members is more important than contesting a position.”
“Positions are entrusted, they are not a political rewards. Umno is now(also) outside the corridors of power,” said Zahid who is also carrying out the duties of party president since Datuk Seri Najib Razak resigned following the poor showing of the Barisan Nasional in the 14th General Election.
Meanwhile Zahid also that campaigning in the party polls should not become a stage for character assassinations.
He further said that the contest must be carried out in the preparations to face external enemies instead of making enemies of one another.