Mahkota by-election: Umno not bound to previous practices - Tok Mat
Mohamad said that the decision on the candidate is still under consideration and is not confined to past practices.
KUALA LUMPUR - The Mahkota state seat in Johor, previously held by Umno Wanita, does not necessarily require a candidate from the same wing, according to Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan.
Speaking to reporters, Mohamad said that the decision on the candidate is still under consideration and is not confined to past practices.
He clarified that while Umno wings have traditionally proposed candidates, the final decision lies with the party's top leadership.
"Candidates are suggested by the wings, but the final decision is made by the Umno Council Members.
"We will discuss whether there is a suitable candidate who can win the election.
"There is no requirement to give the seat to Wanita Umno just because it was previously held by them; this matter will be discussed in more depth," he said after the Umno Supreme Council Meeting at Menara Dato' Onn.
The candidate for the Mahkota by-election, yet to be finalised, has prompted internal discussions within Umno, particularly among the youth.
Mohamad also said that a motion had been presented emphasising the importance of candidate selection.
"We have agreed that the selection process for the candidate should start from the divisions and move up to the state Umno liaison, which will then discuss the options with the party's top leadership to determine the best candidate to represent Mahkota," he said.
Despite these discussions, Mohamad said that the candidate selection process is far from complete.
"It appears that the relevant departments have held internal discussions and will prepare a shortlist.
"We don't want just one name; typically, we request at least three candidates to evaluate. We will conduct thorough screenings, especially security checks," he added.
The Mahkota state seat in Johor was declared vacant following the death of assemblyman Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.
The Election Commission has set nomination day for Sept 14 and polling day for Sept 28.
