Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source claimed certain key party members fear they will be met with disciplinary action.
Members in the party’s youth wing aligned to current chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and those who support his former deputy Shahril Hamdan, who was recently suspended for six years, are already said to be waging battle in an attempt to wrest the coveted post.
“Those aligned to party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi have a significant advantage as they have the might of the party machinery behind them,” claimed the source.
“The fear is always that there is a risk the party’s machinery, particularly, its disciplinary process, will be used against them,” he added.
“Just like the recent expulsions and suspensions, the fear is that the process will be summarily invoked, with those affected even deprived of the right to be heard,” the source said.
The allegations may range from money politics to a breach of party rules, he added.
Party insiders are watching certain individuals who are not seen as aligned to Zahid.
These include Subang Umno chief Armand Azha Abu Hanifah and Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Mohamed Nizham Abdullah Hamidi.
Nizham is known to have strong grassroots support among those said to be disenchanted with Zahid, especially after Umno and Barisan Nasional’s poor showing at GE15.
On the other side of the divide, Umno Youth secretary Hasmuni Hassan is believed to have the backing of the party’s leadership.
According to the source, there are also fears over the integrity of the party polls, with questions arising as to whether there will be restrictions on the participation of certain members at critical points in the process, including vote counting.
The source alleged that leaders are issuing subtle warnings that those who go against the grain could face the same fate as notable personalities who were recently sacked and suspended.
“This is why many are hesitant about campaigning openly for those seen as ‘reform candidates’,” said the source.
“Umno’s leadership has shown they aren’t afraid to take action against members without good reason or evidence.”
FMT is attempting to reach Umno’s leadership for comment.
Last month, the party booted former youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and former Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar for breaching party discipline during GE15.
Apart from Shahril, Umno also suspended former vice-president and Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein, Maulizan Bujang and Salim Sharif for six years.
Umno’s elections will be held from Feb 1-March 18. Branch-level elections are being held from Feb 1-26, followed by the elections for the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings at the national level on March 11.
The divisional elections as well as contests for seats on the Umno Supreme Council will be held on March 18.