Odd for Penang Division again expressing support for Abdullah - even before the AGM of the Divisions..

Only Ahmad Ismail was penalized not the rest of the UMNO leaders in Penang despite the fact that they were there with Ahmad Ismail ...

Some say the 2nd outburst after Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's visit with them was clear indication of a total disrespect of the President of UMNO..

Najib apologized BUT Ahmad Ismail and/or UMNO Penang never did not - such respect for the DPM..

The press conference was called by leaders and representatives of the 13 Umno divisions here led by state Umno liaison committee deputy chairman Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah and secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim.

Ahmad said Dr Koh should apologise not only to the Malays and Mus­lims but also to the Chinese in the country for creating so much tension.

“I want Koh and Gerakan to be responsible in case any untoward incidence takes place in our country.

“I hope we will not be pushed against the wall, ” he said, as supporters thumped tables and shouted “Hidup Melayu”. - Star, 9/9/2008 - Get out of BN, Bukit Bendera Umno head tells Gerakan

Now, we just saw that PENANG UMNO again come out even before divisional annual general meetings stating that all divisions will nominate the incumbents again... If I am an UMNO member, I would be very angry.. I would certainly reprimand this premature expression of support on behalf of the divisions. A reasonable UMNO member will say, we should discuss it at the general meeting first and come to a decision of the division - and then only express it...

Penang Umno's backing was given by its liaison committee deputy chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah who said all the 13 divisions would also nominate Abdullah as party president and Najib as deputy president for the party polls later this year.

Rashid said the two men would be nominated at the forthcoming divisional annual general meeting next month.

"On behalf of the divisions, we have pledged our unwavering support for Abdullah and Najib to defend their positions. - New Straits Times, 23/9/2008 -Full backing from Penang, Kelantan

After all some months back, in July 2008, they already did express their support ...

Penang Umno has given its full backing to Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak to defend the top two posts in the party. State Umno deputy chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah said that was the unanimous stand of all 13 divisions in Penang.

"We will nominate Abdullah and Najib to defend their positions as Umno president and deputy president respectively.

"They are a formidable combination and all the Umno divisions in Penang are united in giving our full support to them." - New Straits Times, 2008/07/06,Penang Umno solidly supports Abdullah, Najib

Was the reiteration of support because no action was taken against the others - only Ahmad Ismail?

But, frankly - this is all campaigning by the incumbents - nothing more. Who the Divisions decide to nominate will only be known after their general meetings?

It will be a good time for those attending the divisional annual general meetings - Hari Raya Cards, phone calls, meetings, promises ....mmm. They will be important until the their annual general meetings. After that....it will be back to normal..

Then attention will be shifted to the delegates...to the UMNO General Meeting...mmm