Umno’s overhaul raises new concerns

(The Malaysian Insider) KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 — Umno plans to overhaul its party Constitution next month to curb money politics but there are fears that this will be replaced by an equally undemocratic system.

The ruling party wants at least 95,000 members voting in party elections, instead of just 2,500 delegates. At the same time, it will do away with the need to obtain a set number of nominations to contest party posts. This is to make it easier to contest but almost impossible to buy votes. Umno claims a membership of three million.

“We are doing this so that people can see that we are committed to change, even down to the party warlords,” said Datuk Wan Farid Wan Salleh, secretary of the committee drawing up the party’s constitutional amendments.

These changes were promised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who won the party presidency uncontested earlier this year. Kelantan prince Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah failed to challenge him after receiving only one nomination. At least 58 are required.

But a new proposal that only members of the Supreme Council can contest the top posts has dismayed the more progressive party leaders. They say it would be a step backwards for the party instead of one that would move it forward by attracting new talent.  Pulai division chief Nur Jazlan Mohamad said the proposed regulations for the election were a cosmetic change that could give the old guard a tighter grip on power.

It requires aspiring contenders to have served one to three terms in the Supreme Council, depending on the position contested.

With each term at least three years long, it could be 10 years before any Supreme Council member qualifies to contest the presidency.

Read more at: Umno’s overhaul raises new concerns