Umno Secretary-General, Ahmad Maslan, plans to clear up confusion surrounding the no-contest motion for the party’s top two posts. He will meet with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) and bring the party’s lawyers to explain how they followed the party’s constitution. The meeting is in response to a complaint by two Umno members. They claimed the motion broke Article 10 of the party’s constitution.
Badruddin Amiruldin, the permanent chairman, had authority to allow the proposal for the motion, as per Clause 21.1 of the assembly’s rules. Delegates also had time to debate the motion before voting. Ahmad stated, “If the delegates disagreed, they could have stood up to express their disagreement.” He added that more than 90% of the delegates expressed agreement by raising their hands or standing. Only a few dozen expressed disapproval.
Ahmad did not comment on whether the complaint to the RoS followed party rules. The motion ensures the president and deputy will be returned unopposed in the Umno elections by May 19. This move has raised questions about its legality and constitutionality. Some Umno leaders support its validity, others oppose it.