Oct 15, 09 1:32pm
A total of 41 amendments to the Umno party constitutions meant to address internal vote-buying problems were passed at its extraordinary general meeting (EGM) today.
The process took a mere one hour which through a show of hands. The EGM kicked off after the annual general assembly presidential address by Najib Abdul Razak.
The amendments are part of seven motions. They are:
-The number of delegates who elect the top party officials to increase from the 2,510 delegates to 146,500.
-The introduction of a registration system to replace the nomination quota system. (Those wanting to contest top party post will have to be committee members at the divisional level for at least one term).
-The appointment of Wanita Umno representatives to take up seats on committees at the branch, divisional and supreme council levels. (This proposed amendment raises the number of appointed members, from 12 to 13 on the supreme council, from seven to eight on the divisional committees, and from five to six on the branch committees.)
-The elections at the divisional and top levels will be held simultaneously, and as such an Umno elections committee would be set up to supervise the elections in terms of logistics and cost. (Members of this committee will be appointed by the party president.)
-The abolition of the annual membership fee and its replacement with a life membership fee.
-Giving the mandate to the Umno Youth, Wanita Umno and Puteri Umno chiefs at the branch level to verify new membership.
-Recognising divisional secretaries automatically as delegates to the Umno general assembly.