KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal for the posts of Umno president and deputy president to remain uncontested was not listed among the motions to be debated during the 2022 Umno General Assembly.
The matter was confirmed by Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who is also the Lumut Umno division chief.
"Based on the motions read to us, the proposal (for the top two positions in the party to remain unchallenged) was not included in the list of motions (to be debated among delegates attending the Umno General Assembly)," he told reporters after visiting the media centre for the 2022 Umno General Assembly here today.
He did not elaborate on the number and details of the motions to be debated during the assembly, which will end tomorrow.
He did not rule out the possibility that the proposal for the top two positions in the party to remain uncontested would be raised again by delegates when they debate the motions listed for the assembly.
"The party president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) in his (policy) speech said he would leave it to the delegates to decide on the proposal.
"And he had never said that certain leaders will be prevented from contesting (for the top positions in the party)," said Zambry.
On Jan 13, 140 Umno division chiefs expressed solidarity for the position of president, currently held by Zahid, not to be contested in the Umno elections expected to be held in May.
Wangsa Maju Umno division chief Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Shafie Abdullah, who represented the group, said the division heads also agreed that the deputy president's position should not be contested.
He said Umno's current focus should be on strengthening the party to face the six state elections expected to be held this year.
Also backing the proposal was Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, who during the launch of the Wanita Umno delegates' conference on Wednesday, said it would give room for top leaders to strengthen the party.
Zambry, who is also Umno Supreme Council member, also announced his intention to contest in the upcoming party election.
He, however, did not elaborate if he was seeking to retain his seat in the party's supreme council or was vying for another position.
"During the previous party polls, I had contested for a seat in the Umno Supreme Council. I will see how it goes (for the upcoming party polls).
"I am an easy person, and I am not desperate (for any other top positions in the party).
"What is important for me is to be part of the team to rebuild the party." he said.
