“There may be attempts to field proxy candidates. I am urging the members to reject them because we want to form a strong team in Umno,” he said on NRChannel TV’s “Jawab, Saya Tanya” last night.

However, he said, the party elections had been going on smoothly based on reports by the election committee chairman.

“There have been fewer than 20 complaints although looking at the 578 meetings by all the wings, I think more than 50% of them have issues,” he said.

Zahid also called on the successful candidates to join hands and restore Umno.

“We should not look back, but look forward to a new direction.

“I hope the team that will be selected will carry on the sense of belonging and togetherness among the existing leaders and make Umno relevant again,” he said.

The party polls are being conducted in stages from this month and will conclude tomorrow when members elect the vice-presidents and Supreme Council members.