Najib's bigger role in Selangor a 'sign of factional feud'

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has taken on the additional role of Selangor BN election director in addition to serving as the state BN chairperson, fuelling further speculation on the intense factional feud within Selangor Umno.

According to Selangor PAS deputy head and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, the move is likely aimed at preventing possible jostling among top state Umno leaders to be menteri besar should BN reclaim the country's richest state.

"It is as good as admitting that (at this late juncture) they don't have a menteri besar candidate and is unable to clearly identify a Selangor BN leadership," he told Malaysiakini.

Two Selangor Umno leaders who are widely seen as potential MB candidates - state BN coordinator Mohd Zin Mohamed and his deputy, Noh Omar (right) - do not see eye to eye on electoral strategies, among others.

It is clear that Najib is avoiding to pick a MB designate ahead of the general election as this could lead to sabotage by the sidelined faction. 

Selangor PKR secretary and Batu Caves state assemblyperson Amiruddin Shaari said having to amplify Najib's role in the state further showed BN's lack of confidence.

"It looks like they are pushing the panic button. It is clear there are divisions among their state leaders," he said.

He noted that it was strange for BN to publicly express confidence of a good electoral showing in Selangor and yet Najib, who should be concentrating on national matters, is so entrenched in the state.

"It's pretty mysterious. I think they don't have a (viable) leader (yet)... So they have to adopt a national party leader," he said.

Mohd Zin: Najib being 'hands on'

Selangor DAP assistant secretary and Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching said this latest development would spark queries from Selangor voters as to who is BN's menteri besar designate.

"BN often criticise us for not having a shadow cabinet, but they are doing the same with their menteri besar candidate in Selangor.

"People will want to know who is their leader so they can compare the person with (incumbent menteri besar) Abdul Khalid Ibrahim," she said.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Najib was made the state BN election director on Saturday, which means that he will leading the election machinery in Selangor.

BN leaders said that the appointment is to signal Najib's seriousness in wresting back the state, which is crucial if he is to show that the ruling coalition is on the mend after its poor outing at the last general election in 2008.

"It shows his continuous effort for the party, displaying his confidence and his 'hands on' approach in Selangor," said state BN coordinator Mohd Zin Mohamed (above), who will act as Najib's deputy.