TEMERLOH: Acting Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has declined to comment on Gua Musang Umno chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s call for a presidential debate to be held before the June 30 party election.
“It’s alright... that is only his (Tengku Razaleigh’s) suggestion,” Zahid said after a closed-door meeting and Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house organised by the state Umno at Dewan Tun Razak here today.
Yesterday , during an interview with a television station, Tengku Razaleigh had challenged Zahid and Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, the main contenders for the position of president to a debate.
Tengku Razaleigh, more commonly known as Ku Li, also said he was prepared to declare his assets.
Asked about the possibility of a split in Umno due to the large number of candidates vying for the party’s top post and other positions, Zahid said: “We want to avoid a split within the party."
“That is the reason why anyone contesting in the party polls is welcomed to join this programme (today).
“It is to allow them to get close to the members and introduce themselves. Anyone can contest but we want to emphasise that members should pick the best candidates.
“We have about 10 days before the party polls. Pahang is the first destination (for the programme). The nationwide tour ends on June 29," he said.
Present were candidates for the post of deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Tan Sri Annuar Musa, and four of the seven candidates for the post of vice-president – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
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