Hisham: Umno may open doors to ‘friendly’ groups

(The Star) – Umno is mulling over the possibility of opening its doors to members of certain “friendly” associations in an effort to expand its membership.

Party vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Umno was also looking at the possibility of allowing them to vote.

For that to happen, the party’s constitution has to be amended and this may be done along with the other proposed changes to make the party’s election process more transparent and democratic.

Speaking to reporters after chairing Umno’s technical committee meeting on constitutional amendment, Hishammuddin said the other proposals included doing away with the controversial quota system.

The amendment, together with the proposal to allow all 3.4 million members to decide on the party leadership, would be tabled at a special meeting held in conjunction with the party’s general assembly in October.

Other amendments being looked at are the process and procedures of membership application, payment of fees and meeting the quorum.

He also said all Terengganu Umno division chiefs and state representatives had pledged to focus on closing ranks.

Hishammuddin, who is also Terengganu Umno state liaison chief, said the agreement came after all of the parties who had been perceived as being political enemies had met in two meetings chaired by him on Wednesday night.

Both meetings were attended by Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said and former Mentri Besar and Besut division head Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.