Any tussle for the top two posts during the Umno election scheduled for June will only serve to divide the party, warned Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today.

Najib, who is performing the duties of Umno deputy president, said having no contest for the posts would prevent the formation of camps or teams within the party.

"It's simple. If there's no contest for the top posts, there'll be no camps or teams within Umno because we abide by the convention, meaning that the vice-presidencies can be contested but there's no contest for the posts of president and deputy president.

"It's one way to prevent disunity in the party..." he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Asked to comment on Umno vice-president Muhyiddn Yassin's statement that he will not challenge him for the deputy president's post, Najib said it was a sincere statement from Muhyiddin who did not want to see an upheaval in the party caused by a tussle for the post.

"I express my appreciation and thanks to my colleague, Tan Sri Muhyiddin, for openly stating his stand that the post of deputy president should be held by the deputy prime minister and not contested or challenged in the coming assembly," he said.

Most qualified

Muhyiddin had said that Najib was the most qualified person for the post and should not be challenged to ensure that Umno continued to be stable and strong.

Asked whether Muhyiddin's statement would appease supporters of certain leaders who wanted the post contested, Najib replied:

"I don't know but the statement made at this early stage can appease if there are (those wanting a contest), I think that generally Umno members want unity.

"With the big mandate given by the people to the Barisan Nasional and the prime minister's leadership, surely they don't want us to be embroiled in politics after getting such a big mandate, otherwise it would look like we don't respect the big mandate given by the people.

"If there's no contest, we can concentrate on championing the people's lot and bringing the country to excellence, glory and distinction."

On whether there would be a motion for no contest for the Umno deputy president's post, Najib said anyone could make a motion at the divisional level.