Kedah Umno secretary Ariffin Man said there was no contest for the post, making Padang Terap the only division in Kedah without a contest for the top divisional post.

He said 36 contestants will vie for the divisional leadership in the other 14 divisions. Five of them are former divisional heads making a comeback – Abdul Rahman Ariffin (Jerlun), Johari Baharom (Kubang Pasu), Ahmad Bashah Hanipah (Alor Setar), Major (Rtd) Abdul Rahim Saad (Sungai Petani) and Abdul Rahman Mahamud (Padang Serai).

State Umno leader Jamil Khir Baharom will defend his post as Jerai divisional leader in a four-cornered fight.

He said 34 candidates will vie to be deputy divisional leader, and 36 other candidates for the vice-chief’s posts.

“There will be 16 candidates vying for the divisional Wanita Umno chief’s posts, divisional youth chief’s posts (18 candidates); divisional Puteri chief’s posts (15 candidates),” he said.

He said four divisional deputy posts were won uncontested in Pokok Sena, Alor Setar, Baling and Padang Terap, and the divisional vice-chief’s posts in Pokok Sena and Alor Setar.

Other leadership posts won uncontested were:

• Wanita chief – Langkawi, Alor Setar, Pendang, Jerai, Sik, Merbok, Sungai Petani, Baling and Padang Serai;
• Youth chief – Padang Terap, Alor Setar, Pendang, Jerai, Baling and Padang Serai;
• Puteri chief – Padang Terap, Pokok Sena, Pendang, Jerai, Sik; Baling and Padang Serai.

About 40% of the candidates vying for leadership posts are new faces, he added.