Umno is studying the views of its members before making any decision whether to retain or abolish the the quota system which determines who can contest top party posts including the No. 1 and No. 2 post, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.
Datuk Najib, who is also Umno deputy President, said however, the final decision on the quota system would be made by the Umno Supreme Council.
Najib said he was looking into the matter because he noticed "there are differing opinions on the matter" - apparently in reference to mounting pressure among party leaders who are backing the abolition of the system. (read here)
Among them is party vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who said yesterday that he supports the abolition of the system because it ( the system) creates "an unhealthy political culture" and encourages "money politics as those who want to contest will buy enough nominations to contest."
The others are Domestic Trade Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad and Higher Education Minister Datuk Khaled Nordin, both from Johor; and Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal from Sabah.
Muhyiddin, who is the International Trade and Industry Minister, hopes with the abolition, the party at all levels will have a healthy democratic election system. (read here).
Najib said the effects of the system that is being adopted should be studied as well as feedback from the members - whether they feel it should be reviewed "and so on".
Asked whether Umno was reviewing the matter, he said:
"I'm not saying it is being reviewed. I'm just saying that as a party we will have to listen to the views of the members.
"There is no commitment to abolish the system. It's just for us to listen to the views of the party members. I think we have to respect members of the party to air their views and then will decide what is the best interest of the party," he said.
To a question, Najib said his personal view was not important at this stage.
He said there were many arguments that were for and against the system, which was introduced to prevent challengers without extensive support from party members from contesting key positions in the party merely to oppose the top leadership.
Yesterday, Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhamad Taib said the quota system in the Umno elections was still applicable and there was no necessity for it to be abolished. Click here for more.
The quota system was introduced after former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad himself was challenged by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah in 1987 and retained the post with a 43 majority votes.
On Saturday, Dr Mahathir had said that Umno should abolish the quota system which required nomination from a minimum of 60 umno divisions before a candidate can contest the party presidency.
Tengku Razaleigh had openly stated his willingness to contest the Umno presidency in the party elections scheduled for December.
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3 comments:
I've always thought the quota system is very undemocratic, but why are they bringing it out now?
Why didnt they oppose it when Dr M introduced the system?
Another slap in the face for the sleeping Umno president, who Only last Friday, said there would be NO change to the party's electoral procedures.
What does all this point to?
A weak leader who will soon face a revolt in his dying party.
Mahathir : BEFORE: Comply with the 30% quota before people can lawan me!
AFTER: abolish it so that people can lawan the presidnt!
AND WE GIVE THIS PERSON A PLATFORM?
Well, if you think you can gather enough support and is a credible candidate , get the 30%. This is also a good measure of the President`s acceptance by the delegates to still lead. JUST LIKE ANWAR before when he fought Ghafar Baba.
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