Umno Deliberates on Electoral Process for Top Leadership
Party Vice-President Khaled Nordin Confirms Feedback Gathering
Umno is still gathering feedback on its proposal to change the electoral process for the party’s top leadership, according to its vice-president Khaled Nordin. This comes after several party divisions raised the proposal at the general assembly last year.
“As such, the party is now gathering feedback from all its divisions nationwide. They have been asked to submit their views through Umno’s constitution and membership bureau,” Khaled told FMT.
Langkawi Umno Chief Rejects Proposed Return to Delegates System
Langkawi Umno chief Nazifuddin Najib, however, has rejected the proposed return to the “delegates system” to elect the party’s top leaders. He stated that the old system had not only become irrelevant to current political realities but also went against the principles of democracy and openness championed by Umno.
Background: Umno’s Current Electoral System
In 2013, Umno introduced its current electoral system, which allows 150,000 members to vote nationwide as opposed to only 3,000 delegates at the party’s general assembly. This change was aimed at increasing representation and inclusivity within the party.
Party Leaders Deliberating on Several Matters
On January 23, Khaled Nordin said on Facebook that party leaders were still deliberating over several matters, including the electoral process, but did not elaborate further. This suggestion has been met with mixed reactions, with some parties welcoming the idea of change while others are wary of its implications.
Umno President Open to Proposals
In July last year, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported to have said the party was prepared to look into proposals to amend the regulations on its electoral system.
Conclusion
The ongoing deliberations on Umno’s electoral process are a significant development in the party’s efforts to modernize and adapt to changing political realities. While the proposal to return to the delegates system has been met with resistance, it remains to be seen how the party will ultimately decide on the matter. One thing is certain, however, that the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the party’s leadership and membership.
FAQs
* What is the current electoral system used by Umno?
The current system allows 150,000 members to vote nationwide as opposed to only 3,000 delegates at the party’s general assembly.
* What is the proposed return to the delegates system?
The proposal is to return to the old system where only 3,000 delegates at the party’s general assembly would elect the party’s top leaders.
* Who is rejecting the proposed return to the delegates system?
Langkawi Umno chief Nazifuddin Najib has rejected the proposal, citing its irrelevance to current political realities and its contradiction with the principles of democracy and openness championed by Umno.