Umno’s new line-up
What it may mean for the nation
The golden question now, of course, is whether the new line-up of Umno leaders will really be conducive to Najib's stated aim of party rejuvenation. Will Umno — and therefore the BN — be able to regain some of its relevance? Only time will tell.
By Zedeck Siew, The Nut Graph
THAT Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is Umno deputy president is probably a good thing for Malaysia's largest political party.
Analysts have been looking to him as the most competent contender for the deputy president's post, especially since Umno's deputy president is almost certain to be made deputy prime minister, as tradition dictates. With his vast experience in politics and government, Muhyiddin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, was the clear favourite.
Another reason for the confidence in Muhyiddin stemmed from his declaration that the party needs to reform. Speaking of change, Muhyiddin said: "There is no choice. If you don't change, they will change you. If we wait for 10 more years there will be nothing left."
While not as radical as he could be, Muhyiddin's reasoning is a clarion call when contrasted with the relative conventionality — and dubious baggage — of his erstwhile rival Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib.
A poll by the Merdeka Centre found that of three candidates before Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam was barred because of money politics, Muhyiddin had the highest approval ratings among the Malaysian public.
Therefore, his convincing win may also be read as the party thinking ahead to the expected cabinet line-up under soon-to-be Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. It appears that the wishes of the leading party in the Barisan Nasional (BN) coincided with the wishes of a majority of Malaysians. At least in this instance.
Such inclusiveness may signal an end to Umno's perceived callousness towards those outside its ranks or race. And if that is the case, it is a step towards making good outgoing Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's recommendation that "the loyalty of every Malaysian irrespective of race must always be appreciated."
