KANGAR: Umno leaders are calling for self-evaluation and caution on the part of would-be candidates before they offer themselves to contest party posts.
Perlis Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said candidates should not underrate the importance of the number two position in the party.
“There are too many candidates for the post… this is not a place for any Tom, Dick and Harry,” he said.
Shahidan said the deputy president’s post needs to be filled by an individual who has vast experience, is trustworthy and responsible towards religion, race and nation.
“So let those who have the qualities and who qualify to stand for the post. If we have many individuals who wish to stand for the post, it will bring down the value of the post,” he said when commenting on the increasing number of leaders offering themselves for the deputy president’s post.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and supreme council member Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Malacca Chief Minister and party vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Pulai member of parliament Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed have offered themselves as deputy president candidates.
International Trade and Industry Minister and vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Rural and Regional Development Minister and party information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Foreign Minister and supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and former Negri Sembilan menteri besar Tan Sri Isa Samad are also said to be interested.
In Kuantan, Pahang Menteri Besar and state Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob warned that having too many candidates might give the public the impression that members were power crazy.
“I’m worried about the latest development when so many people have offered themselves to contest for the top posts before Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy have made an official statement.
“This situation can be likened to siblings fighting to get the inheritance while their parents are still alive,” he said here yesterday.
Adnan said he did not think this was healthy as it showed that Umno members were more concerned about their personal agendas.
“I’m afraid that the people will no longer support Umno and show their feelings in the next general election.”
Adnan also said Pahang Umno would not endorse any candidates and would allow the divisions to make the nominations themselves, adding that the nominations which were made by his Bentong division should not be used by other divisions as an indication of the candidates favoured by the state.
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