Umno members are reminded that the changing leaders under the pretext of democracy would not do the party any good.

Perlis Umno information chief Abu Bakar Ismail said that the upholding the principles of democracy does not necessarily mean "exercising the freedom to change" the present branch and divisional party leadership.

He added that party members should define democracy as "freedom to evaluate and express their constructive criticism on the performance of their respective branch and divisional leaders".

"Instead of changing the leadership, it is more appropriate to give them another chance to improve their performance," said Abu Bakar who is also state assemblyman for Pauh.

About 19,000 Umno branches, including more than 300 branches in Perlis, are in the midst of holding their meetings where party incumbents face a battle to retain power for another three-year term.

Unnecessary problems

Abu Bakar said that changes in the leadership would create unnecessary problems at grassroots level which will in turn affect the party's performance during general elections.

However, he said, changes of branch or divisional leadership is justifiable if the present ones are performing miserably.

With the Indera Kayangan by-election victory still fresh in the minds of Umno members, Abu Bakar said Perlis Umno would try to minimise contest for party posts in the on-going branch and divisional levels.

Meanwhile, Perlis Wanita chairperson Mastika Junaidah Hussein said compromise is always the best policy in order to maintain party unity at grassroots level.

Mastika, who is also member of parliament for Arau, said the recent Indera Kayangan by-election victory, which was won by coalition partner MCA, was a great example of party unity at work.