JOHOR BARU, May 27 — Datuk Yahya Jaafar has been named the new Johor Baru Umno division chief, beating Umno Youth vice-chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah in the division election held today.

Johor Baru Umno permanent deputy chairman Mohd Seth Hussin announced the results at 3.45pm, with Yahya, the former deputy division chief securing 296 votes compared to the Larkin assemblyman’s 260 votes out of 556 delegates who showed up to vote at a hotel here today.

"I hope we can close ranks with the close party and family spirit that exist previously. I hope everyone will accept me as division chief and I will always accept all parties in ensuring the continuity of our beloved party.

"I also wish to thank Tan Sri Shahrir Samad, who led this division for 40 years,” he told reporters here today, adding that the former Johor Baru MP had guided him as the new division chief, he is open to everyone’s feedback and opinions.

The division’s election on March 18 was suspended following allegations that votes exceeded the number of delegates present. — Bernama