Umno polls: Contests for top post in 20 out of 26 Johor divisions

JOHOR BARU: Umno party elections will see a contest for 20 out of 26 division chief posts in Johor, including several multi-cornered fights.

However, six divisions would not see a contest with the candidates winning uncontested.

This includes Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi in the Simpang Renggam division and state Umno chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (Pasir Gudang), Muszaide Makmor (Kota Tinggi), Datuk Zulkurnain Kamisan (Parit Sulong), Datuk Abdul Ghani Abdul Rashid (Sembrong) and Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed (Pulai).

There will also be interesting battles in several divisions such as Pontian whose incumbent, Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad, is also vying for a party vice-president post. He will be challenged by Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

Another vice-president candidate, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, is being challenged by Datuk Mhd Tahir Mohd Noah for the Pengerang division chief post.

Former minister and incumbent Tenggaroh division chief Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba is being challenged by his deputy Datuk Suhaimi Khalid.

Johor Speaker and Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zakarshi is in a three-cornered fight to defend his Batu Pahat division chief post.

Another Umno supreme council member, Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, is also in a three-cornered fight for Sri Gading division chief.

Meanwhile, Johor Umno secretary Datuk Samsolbari Jamali said the contest for division chiefs and other notable positions showed the party still had supporters.

"Umno still has supporters because there are still many who volunteer themselves to serve and at the same time adopt the concept of democracy that is practised by the party.

"It is the right of candidates to volunteer while the right of members is to vote and choose fairly for the party's future based on the performance and contribution of current and previous Umno leaders according to the relevant level," he said here on Tuesday (Feb 28).

Umno elections will run until March 18, with the branch annual delegates' meetings and Wanita, Youth and Puteri branch committee elections having just concluded on Sunday (Feb 26).