Zahid and Tok Mat need to stay on as they have wisdom in politics

KUALA LUMPUR - The reason why Umno needs the president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, to continue leading the party is due to the duo's political wisdom.

This was the contention of several party members when they were asked on the need to the top two posts to not be opened for contest in the coming party poll.

“There are agendas that only these two are aware of because there are a lot of factors that needed to be considered when it comes to wooing voters, especially young voters,” said Raub division chief Zulriyaini Yahya.

Also chimed in was supreme council member Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar who believed that the party leadership should adhere to the wishes of the grassroot -- which has been calling to the top two post to not be open for contest.

“Of course, we have 1001 varieties of opinions, but at least we can pass a majority.

“We are supposed to carry the voice of the rakyat, but at the same time, of course, we are looking up to the party's best interest to stay in power, to stay relevant, to stay in good hands,” Khaidhirah said.

Puteri member Nooryana Najwa Najib -- who is the daughter of former Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak -- also echoed Khaidirah's view on the for the party to listen to the voices of the majority over such matter.

"It is up to the grassroots if they want the top party posts to be contested, as usual we have to listen to the voice of the majority.

"By listening to voices of the majority we will be able to achieve stability within the party.

Nooryana added that her father who is currently jail sentence told her that he expressed total support for Zahid to maintain his post as party president.

Nevertheless, some believed that the contest for the top two posts should be discussed openly.

“I prefer if they held a discussion first because the party poll, I think it is better.

"Please has compassion for us at the state levels, we have not had the state polls yet,” Tengku Haphiz said.

He said that if the party was to be split, the opposition would leverage on the situation, ultimately affecting the party's chances to victory.