After 31 years unchallenged as Johor Baharu Umno division chief, incumbent Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad (pic) will be involved in a three-corner contest in Umno’s polls next month.
This time, the Umno veteran will be challenged by Kampung Melayu’s Jalan Utama branch chief Zulkifli Ismail and Taman Suria Umno branch chief Datuk Ahmad Kemin.
“I am positive (towards the challenge from Zulkifli and Ahmad) because it is not something extraordinary. This time, anybody can contest in the Umno election,” he told reporters when met at the Johor Umno Election Candidate Registration Centre here Saturday.
The nomination forms for Shahrir, who is also Johor Baharu Member of Parliament, as well as for Zulkifli and Ahmad, were submitted by their respective representatives.
According to Shahrir, the party election at the divisional level was more open with each member having the power to pick the candidates they deemed best for the party.
“Party members are now empowered to make choices without any coercion or obstacles. They are now free (to vote who they want),” he said, adding that the best candidate would become the Johor Baharu Umno division chief.
The last time Shahrir was challenged as Johor Baharu Umno division head was in 1982.
Meanwhile, the election for the post of the Pengerang Umno division head is expected to be a sizzling affair after four candidates including incumbent Datuk Azalina Othman Said were confirmed to be contesting.
The aspirants, other than Azalina, are the division’s deputy chief Datuk Harun Abdullah, treasurer Mohamed Long and Bandar Penawar Umno branch chief Abdul Jalil Kahar.
“I am open to the challenge. I have no problems with the four corner fight in the division. It is up to the members in the division to make their selection,” said Azalina when contacted. – Bernama, September 21, 2013.
