Umno scraps quota election system

(The Star) KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has abolished the quota system for candidates vying for top posts in the party.

Party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the supreme council agreed to abolish the quota system in line with initiatives to make the electoral system more democratic and transparent and check money politics.

“However, those seeking top posts should fulfil certain criteria. But the criteria set should not be restrictive,” he said after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting here yesterday.

Najib said the criteria system was needed to ensure that only those who truly understood the principles, objectives and spirit of the party vied for top positions.

On the number of members who would be empowered to vote, Najib said the council had not made any conclusive decision yet.

He said the party’s political bureau would come up with the details on the proposed amendment to the party constitution and table them at the next supreme council meeting.

“Certainly, the number of members who will be eligible to vote will be higher than the present 2,500 (delegates),” he said, adding that the polling process to pick national leaders could involve thousands of delegates.

Najib said the draft proposal would be tabled at the special Umno general assembly in October for endorsement.

On the Bagan Pinang by-election, Najib said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is the Barisan Nasional deputy chairman, would coordinate the preparations.

On speculation that 10% of Sime Darby’s stake would be sold to China, Najib said he would not make any pre-emptive statements on the matter as it involved a public-listed company.