Umno polls today - it's old guard vs older guard
Published: Oct 19, 2013 3:57 AM | Updated: Oct 19, 2013 7:48 PM
With the top two spots in Umno uncontested and a given, all eyes are on the vice presidential race at today's party supreme council election that is expected to be a heated one.
With the top two spots in Umno uncontested and a given, all eyes are on the vice presidential race at today's party supreme council election that is expected to be a heated one.
The delegates will also pick 25 supreme council members, whose outcome will determine whether party chief Najib Razak has enough men on his side to push through tough policies.
Also, the respective divisions will be determining their divisional leadership.
Some 146,000 Umno delegates nationwide have started casting their ballots since this morning.
All eyes are, however, on the vice presidential race, where delegates will choose from six hopefuls for the three spots that are by tradition entitled to powerful ministerial appointments.
The three incumbents, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Hishammuddin Hussein and Shafie Apdal will attempt to fend off challengers Mukhriz Mahathir, Mohd Isa Abdul Samad and Mohd Ali Rustam.
Both Mohd Isa and Mohd Ali are former Umno vice presidents attempting to make a comeback while Mukhriz is the only new face in the pool.
Ironically Mukhriz as the newbie is also seen to represent to old guard aligned to his father and 22-year PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Test of Mahathir’s clout
The contest is unlikely to be a battle of ideas as all six candidates have branded themselves along the same lines as Malay nationalists.
The power of incumbency is likely to be a strong factor, as indications from Najib show that he wants the present VP trio to be retained.
The incumbent trio have also formed a pact to defend their positions although in public they deny such an alliance.
However, Hishammuddin has been dogged by repeated claims that he is the weakest link among the three, whch he denies.
Mukhriz, backed by his father, is seen to be a favourite among the three challengers to upset the status quo.
Mahathir (right) yesterday let slip his frustration at Najib for refusing to back his son and instead opting for status quo.
Nonetheless, whether Mukhriz can succeed will be an acid test of Mahathir's continued clout in the party.
Temperatures are expected to rise through the day in comparison with last week's wings elections.The results will be known later tonight.
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The delegates will also pick 25 supreme council members, whose outcome will determine whether party chief Najib Razak has enough men on his side to push through tough policies.
Also, the respective divisions will be determining their divisional leadership.
Some 146,000 Umno delegates nationwide have started casting their ballots since this morning.All eyes are, however, on the vice presidential race, where delegates will choose from six hopefuls for the three spots that are by tradition entitled to powerful ministerial appointments.
The three incumbents, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Hishammuddin Hussein and Shafie Apdal will attempt to fend off challengers Mukhriz Mahathir, Mohd Isa Abdul Samad and Mohd Ali Rustam.
Both Mohd Isa and Mohd Ali are former Umno vice presidents attempting to make a comeback while Mukhriz is the only new face in the pool.
Ironically Mukhriz as the newbie is also seen to represent to old guard aligned to his father and 22-year PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Test of Mahathir’s clout
The contest is unlikely to be a battle of ideas as all six candidates have branded themselves along the same lines as Malay nationalists.
The power of incumbency is likely to be a strong factor, as indications from Najib show that he wants the present VP trio to be retained.
The incumbent trio have also formed a pact to defend their positions although in public they deny such an alliance.However, Hishammuddin has been dogged by repeated claims that he is the weakest link among the three, whch he denies.
Mukhriz, backed by his father, is seen to be a favourite among the three challengers to upset the status quo.
Mahathir (right) yesterday let slip his frustration at Najib for refusing to back his son and instead opting for status quo.
Nonetheless, whether Mukhriz can succeed will be an acid test of Mahathir's continued clout in the party.
Temperatures are expected to rise through the day in comparison with last week's wings elections.The results will be known later tonight.
Related stories
Incumbents win clean sweep despite Mukhriz challenge
All the president's men keep Mahathir at bay
Official: Hishammuddin 100, Mukhriz 91
Cabinet ministers dominate supreme council race
Umno money politics claims 'mostly lies'
Mukhriz steams over money politics allegation
Hishammuddin regrets 'weak leader' label
Muhyiddin denies posting FB statement on Mukhriz
Umno polls kick off, results later today
You weren't the chosen one either, Dr M
Go ahead Ali Rustam, shut down 'haram businesses'
Umno is up the creek without a paddle
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