Umno hints to Khairy time's up: Zambry will make a good Youth chief

For those who wondered about Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin when he suddenly announced he was going for a long break soon, the game is starting to become clear as calls begin for Perak Mentri Besar Zambry Kadir to replace him at the next party election.

"I am not saying that we are short of young leaders but he (Dr Zambry) has special leadership qualities and can muster greater support from the younger generation," Bernama reported Larut division head Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar as saying.

"Special qualities" or not, Zambry is 48 years old and way past the maximum age to be a Youth member in most parties. Still, Raja Ahmad said Zambry had emerged as a young, capable and experienced leader to head the wing at the national level.

Dr Zambry could become an icon for youths, considering his position and experience, Raja Ahmad added. “I am proposing this not for personal reason but as an opinion to strengthen the UMNO Youth, as well as the interest of Barisan Nasional as a whole," he said.

KJ's past catches up with him

Speculation is rife that the once high-riding Khairy had been given hints to vacate his seat. The 34-year old Oxford graduate was regarded as Malaysia's de-facto prime minister when his father-in-law Abdullah Badawi was in charge of the country during the period 2004 to 2009.

But the brash Khairy is unpopular within Umno, and especially detested by ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad. Even Prime Minister Najib Razak has an axe to grind with him as he is believed to have leaked out news of Altantuya Shaariibuu's murder to the international press.

Najib and his wife Rosmah have been accused of being involved in the Altantuya case which includes allegations of corruption of at least 114 million euros. They have both denied the allegations but few Malaysians believe them.

Khairy has also been reported to have recently met Najib regarding his fate in Umno. He is the only Youth chief to have been sidelined from holding any Cabinet posts. - Malaysia Chronicle