KUALA LUMPUR - Tongues are wagging even more than usual at Umno, where a heated battle for power has been going on for a while now, and due to climax next month when some 146,000-odd party delegates cast their votes for a new central leadership.
The 'catalyst' this time is Mukhriz Mahathir, the 48-year-old son of former premier Mahathir Mohamad who still wields great influence in the party.
Mukhriz had told the press he would announce his decision on whether to go for a vice president's post or not, tomorrow.
Fates of at least 3 bigwigs hinge on Mukh's decision
The news prompted red-hot speculation in the Malay press and Umno blogs.
Indeed, Mukhriz's decision is pivotal as it can affect the fate of at least 3 bigwigs, namely Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussen and Home Minister Zahid Hamidi.
This in turn piles pressure on Prime Minister Najib Razak as he will lose his 'dream team' and be forced to share even more power with the Mahathir factions.
"I think Mukhriz will. On his own, Mukh is not really into politics but he respects his dad and his dad says he must represent the Mahathir family and their stake in Umno and the country," an Umno watcher close to the Mahathir camp told Malaysia Chronicle.
"Now, Mahathir is 88. He sees Lee Kuan Yew celebrating his 90th birthday, barely able to stand up to thank his guests. Then just a few days ago, another 90-year-old, Chin Peng, died in Bangkok. Mahathir has no love lost with either Lee or Chin Peng but he knows no one can live forever. Honestly, do you think Mukhriz can chop his way up to the Umno presidency without Mahathir guiding, shielding and pushing him on? So for myself, I am sure Mukhriz will go for it. It is a crucial shot not only for him but also for his dad."
Not surprisingly, Najib's inner circle has gone around seeking the support of delegates, branch and division heads to retain the 3 incumbent vice presidents - his cousin Hishammuddin, Sabah rep Shafie Apdal and Zahid Hamidi, the Home Minister.
If Mukhriz contests, Hisham is likely to be knocked out.
Shafie is now regarded as 'safe' after Sabah chief minister Musa Aman suddenly decided to withdraw from the contest.
Zahid, who has his own supporters, is regarded as being 'stronger' and better able to withstand a challenge from Mukhriz as well as from other stalwarts - Ali Rustam and Isa Samad - who have announced their intention to contest for a VP seat each.
Zahid waiting for the signal from Najib to take on Muhyiddin
However, Najib still has an ace up his sleeve that he can play should the going get too tough.
Umno watchers say Najib mght shuffle Zahid upwards to contest against Muhyiddin
"I think Zahid is also waiting for a signal from Najib. Once it is given, Zahid will contest against Muhyiddin for the deputy president's post. This will leave some breathing space for Hisham," said the Umno insider.
"Najib is also close to Isa Samad because of their Felda connection and should have no problems convincing hm to drop out. The same for Ali Rustam. As PM, Najib has the power to offer cushy jobs and appointments to both Isa and Ali Rustam as reward for being 'obedient'. But that would mean Muhyiddin is out. Yeah, Muhyiddin is really nervous now and of the lot of incumbents, he is considered the most vulnerable and most likely to be tossed out unless he strikes a deal with Mahathir."
Nominations for the topmost Umno posts close on September 28 while the elections are on October 19. The party’s general assembly will be held in December 2013
Malaysia Chronicle
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