New Umno regulations hailed

 

(NST) – Move proves Umno is more democratic than parties like DAP, PKR

THE amendments in Umno’s party constitution has been described as “transformational” in its efforts to address a host of issues, including money politics and the continuity of committed leaders.

At the same time, the new regulations, especially in Article 9.5 of the constitution, also reflected Umno’s resolve in being more open and democratic.

Umno deputy permanent chairman Datuk Mohamad Aziz was positive the new amendments would bode well for the party as it was done as a part of a transformation drive espoused by party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He said the party’s election requirements were to gauge a candidate’s commitment.

“Quality candidates are one thing but commitment is more important. The amendments were crucial for the continuity of committed members.

“The candidate should be at least a divisional committee member, which shows that he had at least rendered services for the party. We do not want those contesting just for the sake of competing,” said Mohamad.

Before the amendment in 2009, Article 9.5 stated that those eyeing any post in the supreme council must receive a required minimum number of nominations from party divisions nationwide to contest as party president (30 per cent nominations), deputy president (20 per cent), vice-presidents (10 per cent) and council members (five per cent).

However, the new regulation stipulates that candidates must have held a post in the supreme council or at the divisional level for at least for a term to be eligible to contest. Some 150,000 members from 191 divisions nationwide will be casting their votes for the party’s top posts this year.

Former Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Sabbarudin Chik agreed that those who wanted to contest should be serious about their objectives.

“Now, (almost) everyone has the opportunity to contest for the top posts. But they must be serious in their objectives. Only those committed to serve the party should contest,” said Sabbarudin, who is also the party’s appeals board member.

In the battle against money politics, described by some as a bane for Umno, former Wanita Umno secretary Datuk Faridah Abu Hassan believed that the new election process could serve as a countermeasure.

“This will definitely reduce the risk of money politics leading up to the party polls. Under the previous regulations, when the top posts could only be contested by acquiring a certain percentage of nominations, people could easily buy support from members.

“The amendments to the party’s constitution prove that transformation is being carried out from within,” said Faridah.