Several Umno leaders, who were speculated to challenge Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the presidency following the party's lukewarm performance in the 15th general election (GE15), have decided against it.
Among them is Umno vice-president cum Bera MP Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
"The political scenario has changed. I'm also certain that Ismail Sabri will not go for the presidency, more so as he's no longer the prime minister.
"After Umno's disastrous showing at the GE15, party leaders just want to focus on unifying the party," a source close to Ismail Sabri told Malaysiakini.
Earlier, Ismail Sabri, former defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin were touted to challenge Zahid for the party presidency.
The source added that several Umno division leaders who were previously against Zahid are now rallying behind the latter and have ceased calls for the Bagan Datuk MP to step down.
The leaders include Batu Umno chief Yahaya Mat Ghani, Pasir Salak Umno chief Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and former Ketereh Umno chief Annuar Musa. Such calls were made after Umno only captured 30 parliamentary seats in GE15 - the worst showing in the party's history.
Zahid recently announced that the party's internal polls may be brought forward and be held way before May next year - when the six-month period after GE15 is up.
KJ may spring a surprise
Meanwhile, an Umno supreme council member who declined to be named said that while Ismail Sabri and Hishammuddin would not go for the presidency, Khairy may spring a surprise by doing so.
"I don't think Ismail Sabri and Hishammuddin will challenge Zahid due to the change in the political scenario, and there is no reason for them to do so.
"However, it is not impossible for Khairy to spring a surprise and go for the top post, especially due to his disappointment of being given a non-safe seat in GE15," said the source.
During his campaigning for the Sungai Buloh parliamentary seat prior to GE15, Khairy said that he wishes to “cleanse Umno” and bring the party back to its former glory - should he win the seat.
Khairy, however, lost the contest to PKR's R Ramanan, who emerged the victor with a 2,693 vote majority.
Malaysiakini has reached out to both Ismail Sabri and Khairy to confirm their stand on contesting in the party polls. - Mkini
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