In a new twist to the race for Umno's upper echelon, there is speculation that menteri besars are consolidating support to push a few of their own to leadership positions in the party.

A party source said today if this materialises, the coming Umno elections will see at least two menteri besars training their crosshair o­n the vice-president posts while the rest will aim for seats in the supreme council.

According to the source, several menteri besars - who by virtue of their position are also the respective state Umno chiefs and appointed supreme council members- have expressed interest in the vice-president posts.

He added that in the past menteri besars had o­nly joined forces to support a candidate of their choice.

However, in the 1993 party elections then Johor Menteri Besar Muhyiddin Yassin had contested for the vice-presidency under the 'vision team' led by jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

Supporting Anwar

"In 1993, menteri besars had teamed-up to support the 'vision team' led by Anwar," said the source.

Their spokesperson then, former Pahang menteri besar Khalil Yaacob, had told a press conference that they also supported Anwar to contest against incumbent Ghafar Baba for the deputy president post.

Ghafar withdrew from the contest after garnering o­nly seven nominations from the Umno divisions while the rest threw their weight behind Anwar.

Since 10 bonus votes were given for every nomination received by the candidates at that elections, Anwar had secured enough votes to defeat the incumbent even before the election was held.

Khalil was also the campaign manager for Najib Razak who successfully contested for vice presidency under the vision team banner.

However, pundits are not surprised by the latest development as many had predicted that a fierce battle would erupt following the transition of power after Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is the reigning president, steps down in October.

Deputy president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will take over the party leadership as well as the premiership.

Even the incoming president is standing o­n rocky ground as his protracted silence o­n the choice of deputy has irked supporters of Najib - the most likely candidate who has also received Mahathir's blessings.

Commenting further o­n the potential move by menteri besars to secure top party posts, the source said that they command a power base which could turn their ambition into a reality.

"As Umno liaison chiefs, the menteri besar are in control of the delegates from their respective states. They could also 'dictate" who to vote...," he added.

More options

Another party source said such a political development would serve as a reminder to certain party leaders who thought they had strong support in the party to retain their posts.

"It would also be good for Abdullah to have the menteri besars joining forces to face the party elections. At least he would have more options in determining his future lineup," he added.

The source said the move is also believed to be an effort by the menteri besars to provide Abdullah with a strong support base when he takes over the party leadership and the government.

"Many of them are known to be close to Abdullah. Probably the move was initiated mainly to show that Abdullah too has a strong support base in the states," he said.

Umno has six vice-presidents. Three are appointed by virtue of their position as Youth, Wanita and Puteri chiefs.

The three elected vice-presidents are the real power-brokers who have a shot at the party presidency and eventually premiership.

Also rumoured to be in the running for the elected vice-president post is current Umno Youth chief Hishamuddin Hussein.

The incumbents are Najib, who is expected to move up, former Selangor Menteri Besar Muhammad Muhd Taib and Muhyiddin, who is now the domestic trade and consumer affairs minister.