Umno election: High participation in party polls proves that Umno is still strong

KUALA LUMPUR - The participation of many candidates contesting for various positions in the Umno election this time proves that the party still has support from its grassroots members.

Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the claim stating that the largest Malay's party was getting weaker was not true.

"Even if Umno only won 26 seats in the 15th General Election (GE15), Umno eventually became part of the (unity) government and played an important role in the government.

"The election this time also received high participation for significant positions where (for example) there are six candidates competing for the position of chief division in Sabah.

"Even when Umno is said to be weak (the party still has support from the grassroots)," he said when met at Menara Dato' Onn here today.

He said this election also showed a combination of new and old leaders joining together to formulate a more accurate strategy to ensure that the party grows stronger.

"I am confident that this election will be able to show new and old leaders working together," he said.

Meanwhile, the process of drawing ballot numbers for Umno candidates at the central level was held at Umno Auditorium, Menara Dato' Onn here and started as early as 12 noon today.

The draw of votes were carried out by candidates or their representatives starting from the Puteri, Youth and Wanita wings.

Then, the draw for Umno Supreme Council (MKT) candidates started at 5pm and it followed the order of the positions contested namely chairman, deputy chairman, vice president and MKT members.