UMNO AGM | Umno Youth today proposed that the posts of party president and deputy president not be contested in the coming party elections.

Its chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said Umno Youth gave its fullest support to party president Najib Abdul Razak and vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is carrying out the duties of deputy president, to continue to helm the party.

When delivering his policy speech at the Umno Youth assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre today, Khairy said the party’s priority now would be the upcoming 14th general election, not the party elections.

“Let us go into the battlefield with a calm heart and a clear mind. Do not be weighed down by questions on who to support later. So, we settle the question today, and let us no longer be bothered by it.

“With that, Umno Youth wants to propose that when we do win the general election, God willing, the positions of both president and deputy president be uncontested,” said Khairy (photo), who is also youth and sports minister.

“Throw out any uncertainties and insecurities, and now let’s focus on delivering a big victory for BN,” he said.

Khairy also stressed the importance of solidarity among Umno members by ensuring no more cracks and fissures in the party.

He also reminded them not to take lightly the challenge posed by "that Umno splinter party".

“Though we are certain that Umno is stronger, Umno is greater, do not forget that this ‘flower’ party will still dip from the same pool of supporters,” he said.

Khairy also said that those not chosen as candidates for GE14 should continue to struggle for the party to ensure victory in the elections.

“Do not trade your dignity and self-worth, and do not place importance on your personal agenda to the extent that Umno crumbles and falls,” he added.

Puteri Umno also proposed that the number one and two party posts be uncontested.

Puteri Umno leader Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (photo), who made the proposal in her policy speech at the movement’s assembly today, said the two leaders should be retained and given room to continue to strengthen the party and country.

 “The Najib-Zahid team is like the proverbial aur dengan tebing (bamboo and riverbank),” she said.

Mas Ermieyati said the grassroots always prayed that the mature and compatible politics forged between Najib and Zahid could be further enhanced.

“This will give positive impact to the party’s development and stability at all levels,” she said.

Mas Ermieyati said Puteri Umno would always back and support Najib’s leadership in the party, and also Zahid for his loyalty and commitment in carrying the duties of the party deputy president.

The movement, she said was lucky to have Zahid, who is always loyal and behind the party president.

- Bernama