THERE are questions about a proposal to reinstate UMNO’s old electoral system, limiting voting to 3,000 delegates or 12 per division. Will it bring back money politics?
Experts believe it will not be the case. Speaking to a local Malay daily, University of Malaya’s Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub argues that a smaller electorate allows for better monitoring of corruption and misconduct.
Critics have called the move as undemocratic compared to the current system that allows 150,000 delegates to vote.
UMNO Vice President Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the party is considering the change as part of broader reforms.
Dr. Tawfik dismissed claims that the proposal is meant to secure Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s presidency, noting that Zahid’s leadership was already affirmed under the larger voting system. —Feb 2, 2025
Main image: New Straits Times
