Anmad Said prefers Abdullah and Najib?

Sunday July 27, 2008 MYT 6:23:56 PM

Don't undermine my efforts, says Terengganu MB

By R.S.N. MURALI

KUALA TERENGGANU: State Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Said has cautioned party members against undermining his efforts to unify the party in the state after most branches showed signs of contest for the top division position.

Ahmad seemed disappointed that members were ignoring his earlier advice that there be no contests.

The Mentri Besar, who spoke to state Umno leaders including those in the wings, here on Saturday night renewed his call to members to refrain from taking any action that could split the party and affect its chances in the next general election.

“If you can come to a compromise on the top position at the division, go ahead. We want to unite not split (the state Umno). Please avoid a contest,” he said.

Ahmad also said being division chiefs did not mean that they would automatically be candidates in the 13th general election.

“My style is different, those who are close to the heart of the people, humble and competent would be given the opportunity. So, being a division chief doesn’t mean an automatic ticket as candidate,” he said.

He also stressed that a candidate would not be picked on academic qualifications. Those with the right charisma who got along well with the grassroots would get the nod.

Ahmad, asking members not to stab him in the back, noted that Short Messaging System (SMS) texts and poison pen letters had made the rounds following his directive that there be no contest for the top division posts.

Ahmad said Umno members should focus on winning the 13th general election and to counter the threats from the opposition, and not engage in intra-party tiffs.

“Remember our enemy is the opposition, and this is not the right time to be disunited. But if a contest cannot be avoided, please choose leaders who are favoured by the grassroots,” he said.

It is learnt that six divisions – Kuala Terengganu, Dungun, Marang, Kuala Nerus, Hulu Terengganu and Setiu – will see contests for the top two positions.

However, there are also signs that there could be eleventh hour pullouts.