KJ pledges two new vice president positions as part of his Umno reform agenda

PETALING JAYA: Umno presidential candidate Khairy Jamaluddin has pledged to create two new vice-presidential posts for the party – one reserved for a woman and another for a Sabahan, if he is elected.
He said these are among the efforts to reform the party, which he said will be the primary theme of his campaign for the June 30 party election.
"If I win, I propose to set up two more Umno vice-president positions," Khairy said at a press conference today.
He said the female vice-president's post will accelerate the process of achieving 30% female representation in mainstream politics.
"Right now, there is a glass ceiling for women to be Ketua Wanita Umno only, this female vice-president position will allow women to be a national leader and manage both national and women's wing issues," Khairy added.
He also explained, that there is a need to take care of Umno and Barisan Nasional in Sabah and honour the Malaysian Agreement 1963.
"The move will allow Sabah to be better represented in the highest levels of the party," he said.
Khairy said this proposal is just the start of what he has to offer to bring the party forward as its president. He added that Umno now needs to be seen as a credible alternative to the government of the day, and must embark on a life-long commitment to regain the trust of the rakyat.
Khairy also proposed for an open contest for the number one post by abolishing provisions in Umno's constitution that shielded past presidents from potential competition.
This means that members will no longer be able to table resolutions to prevent the top posts from being contested, and ensure they are open to be challenged every three years without any delay.
Meanwhile, Khairy also welcomed a debate with his two main rivals, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"I'm good with the suggestion. The details of where and when can be discussed," Khairy said.
The former youth and sports minister said he was also ready to declare his assets ahead of the party elections.
Tengku Razaleigh had suggested on Tuesday that the candidates vying for the president's post have an open debate, besides declaring their assets.