Perak Umno chiefs returned unopposed

The Star, Tuesday October 7, 2008

IPOH: Eight incumbent Umno division chiefs in Perak have been returned unopposed while three are not seeking re-election.

The eight are Parit Buntar division chairman Datuk Abdul Raman Suliman, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (Padang Rengas), Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali (Gerik), Datuk Samsuddin Abu Hassan (Tapah), Datuk Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib (Tanjong Malim), Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah (Tambun), Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (Lumut) and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Bagan Datoh).

According to Perak Umno secretary Datuk Ramly Zahari, the eight had been returned unopposed after the branch meetings concluded last month.

Ramly, who is incumbent Kuala Kangsar Umno division chief, said the remaining 16 divisions would see candidates vying for the various positions.

There were only three incumbent division chiefs who did not seek re-election, he said yesterday.

The three were Bagan Serai Umno division chief Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin, a former Deputy Defence Minister; Gopeng Umno division chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin, a former Rural and Regional Development Minister; and Bukit Gantang Umno division head Datuk Mat Isa Ismail, a former Perak assembly speaker.

It was a record of sorts for the Parit Buntar division because the heads of its three wings Wanita, Youth and Puteri had also won the positions uncontested, said Abdul Raman.

Dr Zambry, who is a two-term Lumut Umno division chief, also became the latest contender in Perak to announce his interest in a supreme council post.

“There is an urgency to help Umno as a party and to regain the confidence of the people regardless of race,” said Dr Zambry, who was an Umno Youth executive council member in 2000.

Among those who had announced their interest in vying for a supreme council position are Husni and incumbent Pasir Salak division chief Datuk Tajuddin Abd Rahman, who is also Pasir Salak MP.

KOMEN: Kalau begini, maknya UMNO Perak tak ada perubahan. YTak ubah kepimpinan, tak ada perubahan. Hmmm.... terutama di Bagan Datoh.