Gua Musang MP and Umno division chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is still mulling over whether or not to agree to be nominated for the post of Umno president come nomination day on Sept 21.
In fact, the party veteran said, he has not even made up his mind over whether to defend his division chief post.
“I need to consider whether I am wanted or not and whether I can do the job,” he said.
Tengku Razaleigh, who was a one-time party vice-president, had offered himself for the presidency in 2008 but was unable to garner sufficient support.
However, the new Umno election system no longer requires individuals to show support (or fllfill the ‘quota’) prior to nomination.
Now, any member can nominate himself/herself for any post, as long as certain requirements are met.
Speaking to reporters today, he said the new system is better than the old quota system which was “a way to cheat”.
However, he said, certain requirements may preclude capable new blood and even put a “damper” on contests, particularly as people have to now put their hands up for top posts.
In fact, the party veteran said, he has not even made up his mind over whether to defend his division chief post.“I need to consider whether I am wanted or not and whether I can do the job,” he said.
Tengku Razaleigh, who was a one-time party vice-president, had offered himself for the presidency in 2008 but was unable to garner sufficient support.
However, the new Umno election system no longer requires individuals to show support (or fllfill the ‘quota’) prior to nomination.
Now, any member can nominate himself/herself for any post, as long as certain requirements are met.
Speaking to reporters today, he said the new system is better than the old quota system which was “a way to cheat”.However, he said, certain requirements may preclude capable new blood and even put a “damper” on contests, particularly as people have to now put their hands up for top posts.
'New blood cut off'
“I don’t know about discouraging (competition) but it is a damper. It (the new system) is not the sort of thing that would push people to do it (contest),” he said.
Referring to a recent amendment to the party constitution, he said that those wanting to contest for a spot in the supreme council now have to have previously served a term on the council or held a position at the divisional level.
"So it does not matter how intelligent or capable someone is, he will not be able to contest, and we cannot push any good people up," he said.
He said that what the Gua Musang division had proposed was for all positions to be open for contest among the three million-odd members, and all of them be given the right to vote.
"So it does not matter how intelligent or capable someone is, he will not be able to contest, and we cannot push any good people up," he said.
He said that what the Gua Musang division had proposed was for all positions to be open for contest among the three million-odd members, and all of them be given the right to vote.
Meanwhile, asked about views including that from former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the top two posts be left ncontested, Razaleigh said he respects this view.
"But the people have the right to contest these posts, as provided by the party constitution," he said.
Asked if he expects Umno president Najib Abdul Razak to be challenged, given the new system, Razaleigh said: "He must feel confident."
"But the people have the right to contest these posts, as provided by the party constitution," he said.
Asked if he expects Umno president Najib Abdul Razak to be challenged, given the new system, Razaleigh said: "He must feel confident."
Accolades for Nik Aziz
Meanwhile, the Kelantan prince said that it is still too early to judge the performance of the new Kelantan menteri besar, especially if compared with his predecessor Nik Aziz Nik Mat who served 22 years.
However, he said, Nik Aziz's leadership and stature is tough to parallel as he is "not only respected, but revered" by most Kelantan residents.
"He lives modestly and has never changed despite his years as MB. He's someone who lapses into the crowd.
"The development of the state depends on its fiscal position. If they have money, they do things to help promote development and welfare.
"Nik Aziz provided leadership, and people of the state look up to him. It is difficult to find a personality like that," he said.
Pasir Pekan assemblyperson Ahmad Yakob succeeded Nik Aziz as menteri besar on May 6.
Meanwhile, the Kelantan prince said that it is still too early to judge the performance of the new Kelantan menteri besar, especially if compared with his predecessor Nik Aziz Nik Mat who served 22 years.
However, he said, Nik Aziz's leadership and stature is tough to parallel as he is "not only respected, but revered" by most Kelantan residents.
"He lives modestly and has never changed despite his years as MB. He's someone who lapses into the crowd.
"The development of the state depends on its fiscal position. If they have money, they do things to help promote development and welfare.
"Nik Aziz provided leadership, and people of the state look up to him. It is difficult to find a personality like that," he said.
Pasir Pekan assemblyperson Ahmad Yakob succeeded Nik Aziz as menteri besar on May 6.
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