KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu vice- presidential candidate Mohd Rafiq Mohd Abdullah has rejected claims the party is stifling democracy in its party election by not having contests for the two top positions.
Rafiq, a member of party's Supreme Leadership Council, said this situation arose because no candidates or leaders offered themselves to contest the positions of president and deputy president.
Rafiq, the Kuang assemblyman, is competing with five candidates, including Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee and Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, who are defending their posts.
The other three candidates are deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris and newcomer A'ziss Zainal Abiddin.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin retained his position as president, while Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, the secretary-general, won unopposed as deputy president.
When asked about Bersatu's perceived decline after consecutive losses in by-elections, Rafiq said changes were expected to address this issue.
He expressed confidence that the reforms would begin with the vice-presidential lineup in the election.
"I see a bright opportunity because delegates are not just choosing big names, but rather those who can work and connect with delegates.
"Bersatu is not weak, but simply unlucky, as the last two by-elections were held in Umno strongholds. However, changes will happen in this election."