Committee chairman Abdul Azim Zabidi said the committee’s decision was made unanimously after it examined all the objections raised during the wing’s election.

“(These allegations) came only from the disappointed losers,” he told FMT, urging all parties to accept the decision.

“We have already announced it. Close the book, accept it with open hearts. If I had said the other camp had won, Hilman’s team would also have done the same thing (object),” he said.

Azim said 27 complaints on the outcome of the Oct 26 elections were received, including from both Hilman’s and rival Akmal Zahin Zainal Zahir’s camps, as well as committee representatives on duty in the various party divisions.

Yesterday, he announced that Hilman had won the post of Bersatu Youth chief for the 2024-2027 term. Hilman obtained 1,888 votes, 170 more than his rival Akmal who obtained 1,718.

Meanwhile, Faiz Rahmad was announced as the Youth wing deputy chief after securing 1,790 votes, defeating Seberang Jaya assemblyman Izhar Shah Arif Shah (1,287 votes) and Adib Shaharuddin (490 votes).

After Azim’s announcement yesterday, Faiz issued a statement asking if there was interference in the elections and called for a full review, after claims of irregularities.

He expressed concern over the election committee’s “unusual” decision, announced on Oct 27, to allow objections until 10am on Oct 28, before the results were officially released.

“How could anyone have objected without knowing the vote count or winners?” he asked, adding that this had raised doubts on the elections fairness and process.

However, Azim emphasised that the matter was closed and asked all who had contested to accept reality.

“The elections are over. Unite and close ranks in the interest of the party and country. You can contest again in the next elections,” he said.