'I'm open to accept anyone who wins in Umno polls,' says Zahid

JOHOR BAHRU - Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is open to accepting anyone who wins in the ongoing Umno election.

The deputy prime minister said the selected delegates will form a team that will help the party, especially in the upcoming state elections in the six states.

He stressed that everyone should let go of their old disputes and work hard to strengthen Umno.

"We will see whether new or old faces will be elected for the election at the wing, divisional, and Supreme Council (MKT) levels.

"I will accept any leaders that will be elected by members to strengthen the party together. I hope everyone is determined and will work hard for Umno.

"More importantly, we need to let go of the dispute after the election at all levels and be one team," he said.

Zahid was met after the Deputy President Candidate Introduction Ceremony and Johor Umno Supreme Council Meeting at the Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat Complex, here, today.

Also present were Umno deputy presidents Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin as well as Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

Zahid, who is also a Bagan Datuk member of parliament, said the wing elections that took place yesterday showed that members had put aside the state's spirit.

"We also found that votes were not cast based on the age factor, as young professionals were also chosen to succeed the party's leadership.

"No matter what political analysts say, when positions at the divisional and national level are contested, there are more candidates running in the election compared to the 2018 Umno election. It shows that democracy in Umno is still alive," he said.

In regards to Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh's proposal to set a maximum 40-year-old age limit for the highest position of Youth wing, Zahid said the matter needs to be discussed at the MKT level.

"I also had the same view when I was Umno Youth chief. But ultimately, the discussion must be held with the chairman of the constitutional amendment committee and brought to MKT before it can be approved by the Umno General Assembly.

"In any case, Umno is open to any positive suggestion for the party," he said.

"Therefore, if we can play this role, then I am sure the people will trust Umno more," she said.