Candidate-meet-delegate Sessions Best Move: Mukhriz

SEREMBAN, March 11 (Bernama) -- The openness in allowing candidates contesting in the coming Umno elections to meet up with the delegates is the best way to introduce themselves to the delegates, says Umno Youth executive committee member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
Mukhriz, who is contesting the Umno Youth chief post, said this was not the time to impose restrictions as the delegates to the party's general assembly were aware of their right to get to know the candidates better.
"As such, they have asked to be given the opportunity to meet all the candidates and this is a healthy democratic practice...I think. This way, they can assess the candidates, whether they have met the criteria as leaders," he told reporters after the Wanita Umno, Youth and Puteri candidates for the party elections met with Negeri Sembilan delegates, here, Tuesday night.
Rembau Member of Parliament Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also contesting the Youth top post, said certain quarters were only viewing the party elections as having negative elements like money politics, threats and sabotage.
"But these getting-to-know-you sessions between candidates and delegates are done in the spirit of the Umno family, where there is no coersion, vote buying and sabotage.
"This is the real Umno. We are open and we give a chance for candidates to meet the delegates who will make their choice based on their own observation and evaluation of the candidates.
"I wish to stress here that people should not be so negative about the Umno elections. If there were complaints, they were few. What is happening now is an openness, allowing candidates to meet up with the delegates. There is really nothing for us to hide," he added.
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the election process had been going on for some time.
"I think the candidates are happy with the move, enabling them to introduce themselves to the delegates.
"I believe the delegates who will go to the general assembly, will be intelligent and wise enough to choose candidates who can shoulder the responsibility of leading the party to great heights."
He said Umno needed to be strong and cohesive to continue to lead and remain relevant for the Malays.

tunku : it is good to let the candidates meet the members and at the same time they should allow the members to vote them, not only the 2500 delegates. kj is still under the denial syndrome.he still did not admit that the party elections having negative elements like money politics, threats and sabotage. he's part of that, why he would want to admit it.