Tok Mat open to challenge but prefers status quo for Umno top posts

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said he is ready to defend his position in the forthcoming party election, but he prefers that top party positions are left uncontested.

Speaking to reporters last night, he expressed concern over further splits within the party ranks due to struggles for top party leadership positions, especially given the situation Umno is in now following its recent dismal performance in the 15th general election.

"I have no issue. Whoever wants to contest the deputy president post, I am ready to defend it. I have no issue," he told reporters when met after the launching of the assemblies of Umno’s Wanita, Puteri and Youth wings at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre last night.

"However, if possible, in the situation we are facing today where we have just suffered a major defeat, it would be good if the president's post and other (top) positions are left uncontested.

"That would be the best. Because if we have competition, to some extent it will create a split within the party.

"So... I don't know. Up to us (Umno)," added Mohamad, who is also the defence minister and is widely known as Tok Mat.

He said this when asked about a supposed internal movement in Umno calling for the party's top posts to be opened for a challenge in the next party election, which has to be held before May 19.

The leader said Umno is a party that practices democracy, and any member who wants to have a go at any position can do so.

Earlier this month, Johor Umno deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed mooted the idea that the Umno president and deputy president posts should not be open for contest, and Umno should instead focus on strengthening the party again.

Anti-DAP sentiment

Meanwhile, Mohamad was also asked to comment on whether Umno would move away from its anti-DAP narrative, given his speech at the launching ceremony yesterday saying that the sentiment had not helped Umno to gain more support from the Malays.

On this, he told reporters that the party would gather feedback from all quarters before bringing it for further discussion within the party leadership.

"Let them sit together first, gather all feedback and opinions so that there will be no view left undiscussed.

"Then, we will brainstorm all these ideas. But what is important now is that the decision must be something that can regain Umno its strength so we can prepare to face the 16th general election," Mohamad said.

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