IPOH: Candidates who are contesting some of the top positions during the Umno party elections should not disparage others to gain support and votes, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said candidates need only to put out what they can offer without belittling other candidates.
"We are a democratic party.
"We allow those who want to provide service to the party, and they will be given the opportunity to get support from members, who will then evaluate for themselves on who to vote for," he said in a press conference at the state secretariat building here on Wednesday (March 1).
"If (candidates) have their manifesto, offer it.
"There's no need to put others down or deny the (other candidate's) services," he said, adding that everyone has their weaknesses and strengths.
The state Umno chairman had said this after opening the state-level International Women's Day and presenting Perak Sejahtera 2030 grants, worth a total of RM230,000 to 10 intellectuals who will be publishing books on various fields.
When asked to comment on several representatives from Perak who will vie for a spot in the party's supreme council, Saarani said the state party will support them.
Among the candidates included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Senator Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad and Perak Umno Youth chief Datuk Mohd Ariff Abdul Majid.
Saarani also said that he will not be contesting any top posts at national level during the party elections.
The Lenggong division chairman said he would only defend his post.
"I am only an ordinary leader," he said, adding that there had been no challengers for his post and he is expected to win uncontested.
"I believe the deputy chairman and Youth chairman posts are also going to win uncontested.
"Only the Wanita wing will have a contest," he said.
"There are two candidates each for the wing's chairman and vice-chairman posts and numerous candidates for the committee members' post," he added.
