Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is seeking divine guidance on whether he should contest the Umno presidency.
Speaking at a gathering of supporters in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur last night, the 81-year-old said he had already sought his family's advice on the matter but said he still had to consider his age.
"Even climbing stairs is difficult now, so the question is, do I have the energy to go to 191 (Umno) divisions from time to time? This is why I prioritise having the youth lead instead.
"However, I will perform istikharah (prayer to seek guidance) and see what guidance is given to me, God willing..." he said to loud applause from the 300 in attendance.
This was after repeated questions from the audience for Razaleigh to state whether he would take up calls for him to contest the Umno presidency.
At present, there are two contenders for the president’s post - former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and blogger Rahmat Azim Abdul Aziz.
Razaleigh last challenged for the Umno presidency in 1987, a contest which he lost by just 43 votes to then-president Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Mahathir has this year made a dramatic political comeback at 92 to return as the country’s prime minister.
Among those pushing Razaleigh to contest the presidency a second time are several Johor Umno divisions which want to oust Zahid.
Historic significance
Umno Youth vice-chief candidate Bastien Onn - the great-grandson of party founder Onn Jaafar - was the organiser of last night's event.
Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar and Kuala Kangsar MP Mastura Mohd Yazid were among those in attendance.
Both Noh and Mastura declined to comment when asked if they backed Razaleigh for Umno president.
The event last night was held at the Sultan Sulaiman Club, a venue with historic significance for Umno as this is where 41 Malay groups gathered 72 years ago to discuss the future of Malays and paved the way for the party's formation.
In his speech, however, Razaleigh repeatedly stated that the future of Umno lies with the youth.
He also welcomed a suggestion that young leaders be paired with experienced veterans but said there must be an improvement in party discipline going forward.
The Umno elections for top posts are set to be held on June 30. Nominations close on June 17. - Mkini
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