ALOR STAR, Oct 18 — Umno delegates who will vote to pick the party’s line-up at the national and divisional levels tomorrow should to take into account the opinions from outside the party to ensure that the elected leaders are not only relevant to Umno members, but also to the general citizens of Malaysia, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said.

“If possible, get the opinions from non-Umno members because although they don’t vote in the party election, they might be voting in the next general election.

“...it is the voters who will make the decision and they are the ones who will decide whether or not to like the results of Umno election. So, we really have to take into consideration the opinions of non-Umno members,” he said after chairing the Kedah Umno Liaison Committee meeting here today.

Mukhriz, who is also contesting for Umno vice-president post, said this was vital as Umno was the dominant party within the ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN).

“Umno president and deputy president are the prime minister and deputy prime minister. What Umno decides will become the government’s policy. That is why people want to know what we do and who we choose as our leaders.

“Umno differs from other parties, it’s nothing like the opposition...there is no bigger influence such as in Umno,” he said.

Mukhriz also lauded the decision to allow voting results for the party’s Supreme Council posts be announced at the respective divisions.

“This is to prevent different results being announced at the divisions and the Umno headquarters. It’s a very transparent approach and can avert untoward incidents. I think this is a lesson we learnt from the party’s wing elections last Saturday,” he added. — Bernama