JANUARY 14 — The decision to choose party leaders whether new or incumbents, is best done through a democratic process of voting. All delegates have a moral and political obligation to do the right thing for the grassroot members they represent.
On that note, it is surprising that 140 division chiefs representing more than two-thirds of the 191 divisions, are willing to give up this right and power by proposing that the top posts, particularly the president's post, currently held by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid, should not be unchallenged during the next Umno elections.
During the Umno General Assembly, held this week, these division chiefs had decided that “the question as to whether the top posts in the party ought to be contested, should not even be up for discussion.”
This is the latest in a series of worrying blows, when delegates flock together without reasoning, while gaining the wrath and distrust from the rest of the members, especially the young.
“Youths will turn away from Umno if it decides against allowing a contest for the top two posts. Contests are important as they prove that the party appreciates and practises democracy,” said political analyst, Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid.
Umno Supreme Council member, Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkash reiterated that a motion was proposed at the General Assembly for the top two posts not to be contested at the party’s upcoming election – which must be held by May 19.
Wanita chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad also said considering the current political situation, “it is time for party members to stand together with the leadership so that Umno could rise and gain the people’s support.”
While Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki did not say there should be no contest for the No.1 and No.2 posts, he said the presidential institution must be defended.
Firstly, it is questionable whether this was the reasoned voice of about 3.35 million Umno members. Also, is the intention of the delegates themselves to lock up their own liberties of voting for the leadership they want?
Most importantly, the check and balance should come from within the party itself. Members, whatever their positions are, should empower themselves to question their leadership instead of echoing leadership’s interest.
The Umno General Assembly 2022, which was postponed because of the 15th General Elections, is being held now. The party had postponed holding a leadership election twice - first due to the Covid-19 pandemic and then due to the 15th general election.
The upcoming party election will likely be a gauge of whether the party grassroots accepted the present leadership's powerful decisions made in the last year to join forces with arch-rivals Pakatan Harapan.
If Umno wishes to lead a democratically elected government – as it will surely want to do at next state elections – it must project the very basic democratic principles led by democratically elected officials.
However, several other leaders have insisted that the democratic process and polls in the party are needed to reform Umno following its heavy defeat in the 15th General Election.
Unfortunately, the Umno-led Barisan Nasional coalition had its worst defeat in its history, winning only 26 seats compared to 54 seats in GE14 and 133 seats in GE13.
Zahid won the presidency in 2018, staving off a strong challenge from Khairy Jamaluddin and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
As for now, if there is a contender courageous enough to throw in his hat, it is constitutional and not arbitrated as insolence by party leaders.
So far, former Rembau member of parliament, Khairy Jamaluddin is the only member who has publicly indicated an interest in challenging Zahid.
"This is madness. There should be a contest. Do not kill democracy in Umno,” he had said.
He had also allayed fears of any political instability assuring Umno would continue to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government if “he or his allies are elected as president.”
“A contest is the best way to go because the Umno president Zahid Hamidi is a fighter," he said.
In response, Zahid has publicly taken up Khairy's challenge and responded to him in person with an emphatic "I am ready to fight".
While there have been discerning voices in support of not-contesting top key posts there are equally other members within the party pushing for the right to democratic elections.
Party information chief, Isham Jalil said “Umno will not stop its members from contesting the office of president and deputy president. Members had the right to contest the posts.”
It was refreshing to hear Melaka Umno Youth spokesman Fairul Nizam Roslan’s tactic and candid response, “Zahid Hamidi is a leader with a "big heart" and will not block the practice of democracy in the country’s largest Malay party”.
It is not only democracy, it is also about the Constitution that is under threat.
Referring to Article 30 of the Umno constitution and Article 10 of Assembly Rules, Johor Umno delegate Ahmad Pandak said, “I found the motion put forward by delegates for no contesting is improper and should not have been allowed to be discussed in this assembly.”
Umno members and delegates should seize this opportunity to reinvent the party and attempt to project a better image for the general public. They cannot hide behind the shadows of their leaders, while riding on the excuse of party and political stability.
Not only the members but the whole nation is watching to see if the key positions will or not be contested.
In the GE15, Malaysians strongly voted for positive and progressive change against corruption and abuse of power, especially in Umno, the oldest and largest party in the country.
As it is, we are tolerant that the party we voted against was brought back into the government with a reason of ‘greater good.’ Any further display of erosion of democracy in the party may have irreversible effects on the whole nation.
*This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
