JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 24- Several Umno division chiefs in Johor have voiced strong support for Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s candidacy to keep his Umno vice-president seat at the party poll next month.
“As Johorians, we will give our full support to Hishammuddin as Umno vice-president candidate and to ensure that Johor will continue to be Umno stronghold,” Tebrau Umno division chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang told Bernama here Monday.
He said he and his division would do their level best to ensure victory for Hishammuddin, who is Semberong Umno division chief.
As for the fate of the two other incumbent Umno vice-presidents, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, he said they would vote based on the incumbents’ track records.
“We are open about the other two incumbents,” said the former Tiram assemblyman who won the Tebrau Umno division chief’s post uncontested.
The three incumbents were being challenged by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir, Felda Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Isa Samad and former Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.
Meanwhile, incumbent Gelang Patah Umno division chief Datuk Abdul Aziz Sapian said all Umno divisions in Johor were expected to emulate the decision of Johor Umno Liaison Committee’s decision to support Hishammuddin’s candidacy.
“His victory in the Umno vice-president’s race will definitely strengthen Johor Umno,” said Abdul Aziz, who is facing a three-corner fight against his deputy, Dr Zaini Abu Bakar and Johor Menteri Besar political-secretary Mohd Khairi Malik in the contest for the Gelang Patah Umno division chief’s seat.
Johor Wanita Umno chief Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain said they would definitely support Umno vice-president candidates with excellent track records.
“I don’t see an reason why Johor Wanita Umno must reject Hishammuddin. He has done an excellent job and he deserves our support,” she said.
Johor Umno Liaison Committee secretary Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil said the decision to support Hishammuddin and candidates vying for Umno Supreme Council seats was just a normal practice in Johor.
However, he said Hishammuddin and other candidates need also gain support and votes from the delegates in other states if they want to win the election.
– BERNAMA
