Umno gets cagey about Bagan Pinang

(Malaysian Mirror) – The stakes for the Bagan Pinang by-election are increasing by the day and Umno members are getting cagey about who will carry their party’s flag in this cannot-lose state seat battle.

Despite the odds weighing heavily in favour of former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Isa Abdul Samad, the top Umno leadership is not convinced that he is the best candidate to field against the Pakatan Rakyat next month.

This is because although Isa wields significant influence in the constituency, he is also considered a fallen angel. The former MB was found guilty of money politics and sacked as Umno vice-president in 2005.

"For me, this speculation is unhealthy. So I hope the question of the BN candidate from Umno can be decided as soon as possible," Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin was quoted as telling Bernama.

"Whatever the candidate's background, if he can be accepted by the voters of Bagan Pinang, then he's the candidate that we must choose.”

Revival of fortunes

Nomination day will fall on Oct 3 and balloting on Oct 11.

The seat became vacant after incumbent Azman Mohammad Noor died of illness earlier this month. The Umno leader had beaten PAS’s Ramli Ismail by 2,333 votes in the 2008 general election.

Meanwhile, Isa is staying coy about his chances although he stands to gain tremendously should he secure the candidacy.

Political watchers believe he has a strong chance to win. A victory will surely revive his stature in Umno and may even make him a hero in the party once again.

"I don't know. The selection of candidate is decided by the leadership and this has always been Umno's practice. We leave it to the wisdom of the leadership to choose a suitable candidate for Bagan Pinang. Let them evaluate," Isa told reporters.