Umno holds last meeting before elections, says Zahid
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (middle) with his deputy Mohamad Hasan (left) and party secretary-general Ahmad Maslan during the press conference at Umno headquarters today.
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KUALA LUMPUR - Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party held its last meeting today before general elections are called.
The meeting was held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), here, attended by Umno leaders.
It has been reported that 191 division leaders were present along with its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as well as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakub at the meeting to discuss their machinery for the 15th General Election (GE15).
Zahid further said state party chiefs will present names of candidates to Top 5 leaders in the party as the election approaches.
He said those who meet the ‘WALI’ criteria - winnable, acceptable and likable can be a candidate for the party.
He also said that the party stands firm on its decision to hold GE15 this year.
“On Sept 30, the Supreme Committee Council made a decision, so the decision was an official decision from Umno.
“That is elections must be held this year.
“We have examined the report from the Malaysian Meteorology Department (MetMalaysia) and hope elections will be held before the flood,” he said in a press conference after the special meeting, today.
When asked about criticism from other political parties as Umno pushes for GE15 this year, he said the party respects their views but the one holding the power to make the decision is the prime minister.
He added that the decision is also made after discussions with Cabinet members.
“We respect their objections in regards to this issue, but the prime minister has absolute power to decide after getting the mandate from and advice from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he added.
