Umno vice-president Mohd Shafie Apdal said he was not bothered by speculations that certain party leaders were also eyeing the vice-presidency post in the coming party polls.     

"It is their right. We are democratic, there is no restriction for anyone to contest. What is important is that the integrity of the party is maintained," he told reporters at a Hari Raya function in Semporna today, when asked for his comment.     

Meanwhile, Shafie who is also rural and regional development minister hoped candidates would not resort to slander or fabrications in their respective bid.     

Meanwhile Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir said leaders standing for the Umno election in October should be magnanimous, clean and have high integrity, as among their virtues.     

He said these attributes were important to ensure elected leaders were capable of assisting Umno president and Prime Minister Najib Razak and his deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also deputy prime minister, in continuing to strengthen the party.     

"About 150,000 voters in the election will be selecting leaders from the supreme council to division level, who could really meet the aspirations of the people," he told reporters at the menteri besar's open house, in conjunction with Aidilfitri celebrations at Seri Mentaloon in Alor Setar today.     

He was commenting on Najib's statement yesterday, in which the Umno president hoped the impending party election would not undermine or threaten Umno as the strongest party in the country.    

Najib said, as the party had amended its constitution, Umno was now more open, democratic and inclusive and this attracted many to contest for posts in the party.      

Mukhriz said the strength of the party should be sustained to assist in its transformation, as inspired by the party leadership.    

‘Avoid turning AGM into circus’

Umno members who offered themselves for posts at all levels have been reminded not to turn the event into a 'fiesta', thus forgetting the real objective of the contest.     

Umno Veterans Club secretary Mustapha Yaakub said although the party won more seats in the general election, Umno members need not be self-aggrandising.     

"There are many issues which need to be pondered upon by every Umno leader. Preparations for the 14th general election should begin now, if Umno wants to continue being the dominant party representing the Malays, and which can be accepted by the Malays, besides being supported by BN (Barisan Nasional) components," he said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur today.     

On the Umno General Assembly from Dec 2 to 7, Mustapha said, apart from debating the president's policy speech and current issues, delegates should also be given the opportunity to debate and criticise the party leadership.     

"The party leadership should be ready to accept criticism if it wants the party to be transformed," he said.      

- Bernama