Ku Li: Democratic and fair election the only way to end internal strife - The Star

By Ian McIntyre

KOTA BARU: Gua Musang Umno division head Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah does not believe that contests for the top posts can cause a split similar to the 1987 episode, which resulted in Umno breaking into two groups.

There would not be a lingering split as the party now has the maturity and conviction to overcome differences of opinions, he said, adding that Umno members should treat each other as “brothers-in-arms”.

Tengku Razaleigh, 71, said only a democratic and fair contest during the party elections can put to rest issues about leadership capabilities.

Such a contest would also mark a process to elevate Umno back onto its rightful position, he said.

“The president's post in Umno is not decided by a handful of leaders. It must be decided by grassroots members,” he said.

He was addressing a gathering of some 2,000 people at Balai Islam here on Friday evening.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/27/nation/21081086&sec=nation]