Umno polls fever hits government functions

The national polls may be over but election fever continues to grip government events. 

With the Umno election in a month's time, party candidates, some of whom are ministers, appear keen to remind the public, especially civil servants, about the looming battle. 

Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal (right) who took the stage at the launch of the Karnival Usahawan Desa (Village Entrepeuneur Carnival, or KUD) in Putrajaya yesterday opened his speech by congratulating Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for winning the Umno deputy presidency uncontested. 

"We hope that both leaders (Muhyiddin and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak) can continue to not only lead the party but also the government," he declared. 

The remark seemed out of place at a government function but the over 5,000-strong predominantly Malay audience was an opportunity for the Sabah politician to subtlety campaign in the Umno election. 

Later in the closing speech, Muhyiddin too reciprocated, noting that Shafie was defending his Umno vice presidency. 

The comment appeared to stir excitement in the crowd as some cheered.

Playing to bumi businessmen

The Umno election fever is reminiscent of the campaigning at government events in the run-up to the May 5 general election where the prime minister sought to shore up support from a wide array of communities. 

This time, it is to beef up the respective party support base of each candidate and for Shafie, showcasing his contributions to bumiputera entrepreneurs would certainly win some votes. 

Umno, which is holding leadership elections on Oct 19, is the largest party in the country and boasts a membership of 3.4 million. It will see the participation of some 150,000 members in picking top office bearers following changes to the party's constitution.

Shafie, together with incumbent Umno vice-presidents Hishammuddin Hussein and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi have formed a pact to defend their positions. 

The trio are facing three challengers - Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir, former Malacca chief minister Mohd Ali Rustam and Felda chief and former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Isa Abdul Samad.