Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin lauds the call of several candidates in Umno's upcoming polls for the relaxation of regulations for campaigning to allow candidates to introduce themselves.

NONEHe said there was a need to provide ample opportunities for candidates to introduce themselves to the delegates as some were relatively unknown.

"Everybody knows me but those who are challenging me may not be known. If we welcome challenges, we must given them an open and level ring.

"I think we should not be too strict. We have to open a bit. Not that we are encouraging unhealthy campaigning. Take action if there is slandering, personal attacks and money politics.

“But, I think merely holding a normal function to meet delegates should be allowed," he said after launching the 2013 Kelantan Open Run in Kota Baru today.

No individual campaign

Yesterday, Negri Sembilan Umno liaison committee chairperson Mohamad Hasan, who is also Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, had complained that some regulations in the Umno election this time around were unwise and could hamper the election process.

Among the regulations, he said was that candidates could not campaign individually to meet the grassroots to introduce themselves.

Commenting on the matter, Khairy, who is also youth and sports minister, said the criticism by Mohamad had merit because the conditions imposed were so tight that the candidates could not "move".

In Johor Baru, incumbent Johor Baru Umno division head Shahrir Abdul Samad was also of the view that the conditions were too restrictive.

Speaking to reporters after a candidates introduction session for the division here today, Shahrir, who is also the MP for Johor Baru, said candidates should be given the widest latitude to campaign. 

He is being challenged for the division chief post by Zulkifli Ismail and Ahmad Kemin, who are the heads of the  Jalan Utama, Kampung Melayu and Taman Suria branches respectively.

In Marang, Maznah Mazlan, who is vying for the Wanita Umno chief post, said she was unfazed that she was deemed an underdog in the race which is a three-way fight.

"Now, (with the changes made to Umno's constitution) everyone has an equal chance of winning," she told reporters.

She will be up against the incumbent Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Raihan Sulaiman Palestin, another aspirant.

- Bernama