KUALA LUMPUR: The higher number of new leaders in the recent Umno election proves that democracy is alive and well in the party, says its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said this also shows that the party's rejuvenation process as well as its efforts to prepare its young leadership are ongoing.

"The recent party election saw 36 per cent of the Umno division leaders comprised new faces.

"This puts Umno division heads who have held the position for no more than 10 years at 72 per cent.

"This composition has resulted in a strong pairing of new and experienced faces in understanding the current political situation," he said in his policy speech at the 2023 Umno General Assembly here, today.

Zahid also said that the change in leadership for division deputy heads has led to 66 per cent new faces, while division vice-chiefs are at 73 per cent.

He said it is tradition in Umno to see party leaders come and go.

"The old and experienced continue to be devoted to the party, while the new faces bring a breath of fresh air, complementing each other.

"That is the beautiful and orderly journey of our party," he added.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/06/918151/increase-new-party-leaders-proves-democracy-alive-umno-says-zahid