Zahid, Shafie and Hishamuddin maintain positions

Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein remained UMNO vice-president despite a very close race with his opponent, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

The other winners in the Saturday’s battle were Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

UMNO Chairman of the Selection Committee, Tan Sri Tajol Rosli Ghazali in a press conference at 1.40am on Sunday morning announced the winning of the trio, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein as the vice-president.

Ahmad Zahid secured 185 votes, while Shafie and Hishamuddin bagged 174 and 100 votes each.

A nail-biting early race between Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and Hishamuddin ended with Mukhriz counting 91 votes.

Tajol also told the press that eventhough Hishamuddin and Mukhriz were tied in three divisions, the Electoral College votes does not need a recount as it will not make any difference.

Two other candidates for the vice-president post, Datuk Seri Mohd. Ali Rustam and Tan Sri Isa Samad were left far behind in the contest with 7 votes each.

In its wings election last week, Khairy Jamaluddin retained his position as UMNO Youth Chief while Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil remained as Wanita Chief.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin both kept their position as president and deputy president due to no contest.