In Umno polls, race is for vice-presidencies, supreme council seats
(TMI) – The real race in this year’s Umno polls is for the three vice-presidencies and a seat in the supreme council with the top two positions almost certainly retained by party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Party insiders attribute the crowded race for these posts to the possibility that the next party election three years down the road could offer a new leadership before the country’s 14th general election.
“Everyone is preparing for a leadership change in the next polls, so they have to position themselves now,” an Umno warlord told The Malaysian Insider in Kuala Lumpur.
Nominations for the various posts are on September 28 while the party elections are slated for October 19. The party general assembly is in early December.
“Najib and Muhyiddin might stay on for the next general election but after that, it will be the ones who are vice-presidents and supreme council members to take charge of the party,” the warlord added.
Another warlord said this was reflected in the challenge to the three incumbent vice-presidents – Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal – who have confirmed they are defending their posts by forming alliances.
Their challengers are Tan Sri Isa Abdul Samad (pic) and Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, with Datuk Seri Musa Aman the only one who has yet to openly declare his candidacy.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir is also said to be weighing his options in the vice-presidential race where almost 150,000 members are set to vote in top office bearers, following voting amendments.
Prior to the last party election and amendments to its constitution in 2009, only some 2,500 delegates had voting rights.
Hishammuddin had said alliances were part of a growing awareness by members to strengthen Umno by banding together to put the interests of the party ahead of individuals.
“As Umno vice-president, the cooperation among myself, Zahid and Shafie has always been very close… if it is beneficial to the party, then it should be continued,” Hishammuddin had said.
Forming alliances will enable the candidates to leverage on each other’s strength and support, but it will not guarantee them a win.
Kedah Umno secretary Datuk Othman Aziz said being part of a group will not guarantee a win as members look for visionary, reliable and trustworthy leaders that can lead the party into the next phase.
