Incumbents Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Mohd Shafie Apdal and Hishammuddin Hussein retained their vice-president's posts for the 2013-2016 term in the Umno polls.

The trio received a new mandate from the 146,000-odd voting delegates to be "right arm" of president Najib Abdul Razak and deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin in leading the party which is the backbone of the BN coalition.

Umno elections committee chairperson Tajol Rosli Ghazali, who announced the results for the vice-president posts at around 1.40am, said Ahmad Zahid obtained the highest votes at 185, followed by Mohd Shafie, 174, and Hishammuddin, 100.

Their victories put paid to the challenge mounted three aspirants namely Mukhriz Mahathir who obtained 91 votes, while Mohd Ali Rustam and Mohd Isa Abdul Samad only secured seven votes each.

NONEThe highlight of the race was the stiff fight between Hishammuddin (left) and Mukhriz who had everyone on the edge of their seats as the results from the 191 divisions streamed in.

Tajol Rosli said although there was tie in the votes for Hishammuddin and Mukhriz in several divisions, no recount was done in view of the wide difference in the overall margin.

"Hishammuddin obtained 100 votes while Mukhriz recieved 91 votes. It is a nine-vote margin, thus not justifying a recount or re-election.

"If the margin is three votes and below, only then will a re-election be held," he said.

Tie vote in three divisions

Tajol Rosli explained that Hishammuddin and Mukhriz received the same number of votes in three divisions namely Keningau, Semporna and Baling.

It is learnt that Mukhriz may filed a complaint to the polls committee.

Ahmad Zahid, 60, who was born in 1953, in Kampung Sungai Nipah Darat, Rungkup, Bagan Datoh, Perak, is currently the home minsiter.

He won the vice-president's post for the first time in the 2008 polls after having served two terms in Umno's supreme council - 2000-2003 and 2004-2007.

Mohd Shafie, 56, is the first Umno leader from Sabah to be elected vice-president, also in the 2008 polls. He is currently rural and regional development minister.

Hishammuddin, who is defence minister and three-term MP for Sembrong, had to fight off a strong challenge from Mukhriz to retain his seat. He is also holding the post of acting transport minister.

Tajol also announced that Mohamad Aziz retained his post as Umno deputy permanent chairman after defeating two challengers, Abd Rahman Palil and Ahmad Fariz Abdullah.

Mohamad received 158 votes, Abd Rahman, 25, while Fariz did not obtain a single vote.

Meanwhile, Umno executive secretary Ab Rauf Yusoh said the full results of the polls would be announced at 5pm today.

- Bernama


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