Quota system to stay for Umno polls - Pak Lah

Umno President Datuk Seri Abdullah who is facing pressure from Umno divisions to step down says the quota system will be maintained for the party elections in December.

Abdullah said the 30% quota of support from divisions for the president’s post, 20% for deputy president and 10% for vice-presidents would stay despite calls for its abolishment by some party members, the Star reports.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said last month he was looking into the matter because he noticed "there are differing opinions on the matter" - apparently in reference to mounting pressure (read here) among party leaders who are backing the abolition of the system.

Among them is party vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who said 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."

However, the supreme council had decided that it would be maintained, Abdullah said after chairing a meeting of the National Council on Islamic Religious Affairs here yesterday.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had suggested 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.

Asked if he would meet former president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to settle their differences which were made public recently, Abdullah replied: “We will see if there is a need.”

(He's not listening is he? He still wants to maintain the quota system despite calls for its abolishment by members. Naah, he doesnt want any contest. Coward! But am wondering if Pak Lah can still hang on to his party post until December amidst calls from Umno division chiefs in Kedah and Perak and 20 divisions in Johore asking him to resign and holding him responsible for Umno's loss in five states, among others, by putting up the wrong candidates.)