The Bukit Bendera Umno division will hold a fresh election in July under new party rules, said Penang Umno Liaison Committee

chairmperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the fresh election was necessitated following the en-block esignation of the division's committee members.

"Under the old rules, candidates were nominated by branches while under the new rules, a person who has become a member for more than three years is eligible to contest provided he registers one week before the election," he told reporters after chairing the state Umno liaison committee meeting here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also defence minister, said the Bukit Bendera Umno division would be the first Umno division in the country to hold a divisional election under the new rules.

On March 29, 36 committee members of the Bukit Bendera Umno division submitted their resignation to the Penang state Umno liaison committee to force a fresh divisional election.

This is part of their efforts to reinstate Ahmad Ismail, who was suspended for three years by the party, as their division chief.

Ahmad was suspended in September 2008 after he made insensitive remarks during the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election campaign.

Earlier, speaking at a community programme organised by the Bayan Baru Umno division here, Ahmad Zahid reminded Umno members to stop bad practices like bickering, pitting one against another and currying favour.

He said any differences in the party must be resolved wisely and quickly as the party gear up for the next general election.

- Bernama