Umno delegates and members nationwide stepped over the numerous faces of candidates running for party positions as they walked into the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

Campaign cards bearing the face, ballot number and name of candidates which have been circulating at the PWTC, venue of the Umno's 55th general assembly, since Tuesday were seen strewn on the floor at the building's entrance.

At about 9.30am, cleaners were seen sweeping up the mess in a hurry. Visitors also passed snide remarks. One said, "this is hilarious as the elections have not started and people are already throwing away materials of our future leaders."

Over 2,500 Umno delegates will vote for three vice-presidents and 25 supreme council members.

A supporter of Wanita Umno deputy chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who is running for a place in the supreme council was visibly upset by the "people's utter disregard" for her campaign cards.

"This is sad but we will not let it demoralise us. In fact it has made us all the more fired up to continue to campaign till the very last minute for our deputy head," said the delegate who insisted on remaining anonymous.

Shahrizat, the women, family and community development minister, is one of two women from Wanita running for a spot in the council. The other is incumbent Dr Norraesah Mohamad while Youth and Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said is the only other female candidate.

There has been massive support for Shahrizat as a majority of delegates who spoke at yesterday's Wanita meeting called on members to vote her in.

Cards for delegates only

On the dumping of materials, one campaigner said this was not something uncommon.

Rosli Ahmad from Kedah who was distributing cards of Dr Awang Adek Hussin said he was only giving out the cards to delegates who were eligible to vote and not to all present so that they would not be thrown away indiscriminately.

Awang Adek, a MP from Kelantan, is a first-time contestant for a supreme council seat.

The disposed materials did not seem to bear prejudice to any member in particular but cards bearing the 'favourites' were not visible as part of the rubbished lot.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hassan's campaigners were confident their man was getting into the council and were quick to come to his defence.

"Yes, there were many materials discarded but ours were not dumped," said Roshizan Zakaria, a former youth division secretary from the state.

Mohamad Hassan, who is also a first timer, holds the ballot numbered '01' which his supporters insist will bring him luck and an advantage in securing a supreme council place.

Results are expected to be announced at around 6.30pm today.