Muhyiddin is deputy president

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was elected the new Umno deputy president when he beat Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib in the party elections today.

Muhyiddin, who is International Trade and Industry Minister, bagged 1,575 votes while Muhammad Taib, the party Information chief, received 916 votes.

The official announcement was made at 10.40pm by permanent chairman Tan Sri Onn Ismail at the Dewan Merdeka, Putra Wolrd Trade Center.

Tan Sri Onn had earlier in the day declared Datuk Najib Tun Razak the new party president. Datuk Najib had won the post uncontested.

For the hotly-contested three vice-president posts, the winners are Zahid Hamidi (1,592), Hishammuddin Hussien (1,515) and Shafie Apdal (1,445), who by the way, is the first VP from Sabah.

All are seen as new Umno president Najib Abdul Razak's men.

UMNO PRESIDENT

Najib Abdul Razak - Pekan, Pahang [uncontested]

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Muhyiddin Yassin - Pagoh, Johor (1,575 votes)
Muhammad Muhd Taid - Kelana Jaya, Selangor (916)

VICE-PRESIDENT (3 posts)

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - Bagan Datok, Perak (1,592)
Hishammuddin Hussein - Sembrong, Johor (1,515)
Mohd Shafie Apdal - Semporna, Sabah (1,445)
Mohamed Khaled Nordin - Pasir Gudang, Johor (1,397)
Rais Yatim - Jelebu, Negri Sembilan (491)
Mohd Isa Abdul Samad - Telok Kemang, Negri Sembilan (432)
Syed Hamid Syed Jaafar Albar - Kota Tinggi, Johor (410)
Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik - Masjid Tanah, Malacca (192

In the contest for the 25 supreme council seats, two ministers and four menteris besar did not make it.

The two minsiters were Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahri Samad and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman.

The menteris besar were Johor MB Datuk Ghani Othman, Pahang MB Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Ngri Sembilan MB Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Perlis MB Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa.

The only one who made it is Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman.

Three deputy ministers are also out - Deputy Human Resources Minister and Puteri Umno chief Noraini Ahmad, Deputy Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department Johari Baharum and Hasan Malek.

Seven ministers, five deputy ministers and two former MBs, however, made it to the final 25. They are:

Mustapa Mohamed (agriculture and agro-based industries)
Noh Omar (entrepreneur development and cooperative)
Ismail Sabri (youth and sports)
Mohamad Zin Mohamed (works)
Shaziman Abu Mansor (energy, water and telecommunications)
Zulhasnan Rafique (federal territories) and
Ahmad Shabery Cheek (information).

The five deputy ministers are:
Saifuddin Abdullah (entrepreneur development and cooperative)
SP Lajim Ukin (transport)
Hamzah Zainuddin (housing and local government)
Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah (finance) and
Idris Haron (higher education).

The two former menteris besar are:
Mahadzir Khalid (Kedah)
Idris Jusoh (Terengganu)

The sole woman candidate who retained her seat is Bank Rakyat executive chairperson Norraesah Mohd from Penang Umno.

REACTIONS

Muhyiddin Yassin

"This is a big responsibility and I will carry out my task to the best of my ability to work with Najib. I urge everyone - winners or losers - to remain united for the sake of party unity.

We want to show that Umno, in whatever conditions, will take care of the Malay people, as well as all Malaysians in general. I give my assurance that I will work hard and will remain loyal to Najib."

Muhammad Muhd Taib (who lost deputy president's post):

"I accept the decision of the delegates. I will continue to serve the party in any capacity."

When asked the winners were from Najib's camp, Muhammad responded with a laugh: "No! Umno's camp." - Malaysiakini