KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 — Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today said that top positions should not be contested in the upcoming party election as the move would signify an internal rift within the party.

Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, said a division within the party is the last thing that Umno needs after a disappointing campaign in the last general election (GE15).

"After falling on our backs, it’s best that the president and other positions win uncontested. If (the positions) are being contested then it signifies that there is division within Umno,” he told reporters after launching the Umno annual general assembly.

However, he said that Umno will continue to uphold its democratic principles and will accept anyone who wants to contest the deputy president post.

"Umno follows the party that practices democracy ... and also it's different now.

"To run for president, the deputy president must have a quota. Now it's easy. You only need a proposer and a seconder,” he added.

Earlier today, Ummo secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said that the party election must be held before May 19 this year.

This was following Umno's constitutional amendments that were passed that require the party to hold its internal polls six months after a general election.

The Umno general assembly this year was deferred from last year, due to the 15th general election that was held in November.

The party assembly at the World Trade Centre here started today with the opening ceremony for three wings — Women, Youth and Puteri — that will continue with their respective conferences tomorrow.

The main party assembly kicks off on Friday. - malaymail