Umno Youth, Puteri want post-GE party polls to be new rule

 

Umno's Youth and Puteri wings are pushing for a new rule that party polls can only be held after general elections.

During their policy addresses, the respective wing chiefs both made the same suggestion to amend the Umno constitution and set the new timeline for party polls in writing.

This was amid attempts by those against Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to have party polls before the next general election.

Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki argued that having party elections before GE would actually leave Umno at a disadvantage.

"If we hold party polls before GE, how many youth leaders before me would be changed? Not because they were rejected, but because of age limits.

"In such a short time (between party polls and GE), are we able to form a new lineup that is experienced and strong enough to go into battle?" he said at the Umno wings general assembly in Kuala Lumpur today.

Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki

He said those pushing for early party polls must be ignored and only encourage bad old habits that sought to tear the party from within.

He warned that if Umno sank for a second time, party positions would be meaningless.

Meanwhile, Puteri Umno chief Zahida Zarik Khan said post-GE party polls would allow members to evaluate which leaders are actually putting in the work and which ones are only in it for positions.

"We know who works hard in every by-election and state election to ensure victory, be it in Sabah, Malacca, or Johor.

"We know who is only campaigning for party posts but are half-hearted when facing the enemy.

"Some are very stingy to help the party but display extravagant wealth when campaigning for themselves," she said.

Puteri Umno chief Zahida Zarik Khan

Zahida and Asyraf are both aligned with Zahid.

The Umno president's faction is pushing for snap general elections to be held as soon as possible. - Mkini