Shahrizat: I was forced to accept June Transition plan

The verbal war between the top two Wanita leaders has begun with Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz firing (read here and here ) her first salvo a day after her deputy Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil announced her intention to challenge her in the coming party polls.

Rafidah hit out at Shahrizat for breaking the promise made earlier that she would not challenge her.

In her 11-page handwritten statement to the press yesterday, Rafidah said her deputy even said ‘My word is my honour’, that she would abide by the advice of the party’s top leaders and had accepted the (June) transition plan.

But Shahrizat disclosed - as many have suspected - that she had agreed to Wanita’s transition plan under duress.

“Can you imagine if I had declined the transition plan in front of 700 to 800 people, including the Prime Minister,” she told the Star.

According to Shahrizat, Rafidah had sprung the June 2009 plan on her at a Wanita function at the Putra World Trade Centre on the day it was announced (Aug 4), without any prior consultation with her or the executive council.

Shahrizat, who admits that she has always been a “yes man” to Rafidah said:

“I am always listening to Tan Sri. I have positioned myself as her deputy. It is not my habit to offer anything that I was not asked. This is something I have conditioned myself for over the years. I am a party person.

"She is my boss.”

The rest of the report below:

“Throughout the years, you never find me offering opinions, because Tan Sri is a very strong leader and she speaks her mind. I look at myself as a backbencher. This is to maintain peace,” she said.

Shahrizat said she took time to come to a decision because she had to consider the effect of her decision on the movement.

“But once I have made up my mind, I don’t turn back,” she said.

She said although she had called for divisions to respect the transition plan, the ground was volatile.

“The mood was that they don’t want top leaders to make decisions for them. They were resentful that we assume they will accept the plan. And I bore the brunt for a long time.

“The women wanted to be given a choice and felt that their right to exercise their right had been taken away. This was putting the Wanita structure in danger. The women were angry with me for agreeing (to the plan) because the Wanita chief will be acting and there would be no deputy.

“They wanted me to stand up and fight against it. But at that time, I did not have the strength to fight,” she said, adding that the straw that broke the camel’s back was the last Wanita exco
meeting, where she was not given a chance to express her views. The Star

Rafidah, who earned the nickname 'Iron Lady' while serving as Trade Minister for two decades before being dumped from the cabinet earlier this year, had hoped to remain as Wanita chief until June 2009.

"I will defend my post" - Rafidah

Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz announced on Friday that she will defend the Wanita Umno chief's post in the party's elections in March, Bernama reports.

Rafidah, 65, said she appreciated and respected the nominations she received from 117 divisions.

"I leave it to the delegates, who represent the grassroots, to determine their preferred leader for the 2009-2011 period," she said in an 11-page statement today.

On Thursday, Wanita Umno deputy chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who received 73 nominations, announced that she would contest for the movement's top post.

The decision has effectively scuttled the movement's leadership transition plan in June 2009 as announced by Rafidah in August.

In the statement, Rafidah also expressed disappointment that the transition plan was being disputed and rejected three months after she made the announcement.

She added that Datuk Seri Shahrizat herself who had agreed to abide by the transition plan was willing to change her stand when she received enough nominations to contest for the top post.

Had the matter been brought up before the nomination process started, the Wanita Umno executive council would have scrapped the transition plan, said Rafidah.

"And there would be no hesitation on my part to allow the divisions to nominate whomever they want for the posts of Wanita chief and deputy chief," she said.

The objection, however, only came to light after sufficient nominations were obtained for the posts, she said.

"Only then they come out with all kinds of excuses to object the plan," she said. Read here to continue...

In August, Rafidah had agreed to step down in June next year to pave the way for Shahrizat to take over the movement's leadership, but the postponement of the party polls to March made many Wanita Umno leaders urge Rafidah to reconsider the transition plan.

Last weekend, the Wanita Umno exco reaffirmed its earlier decision for the top two posts in the wing not to be contested, but Kuala Kangsar Wanita chief, Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim, who has already qualified to run for No 2, insisted that the Wanita Umno exco had no right to decide on the movement's leadership.

Kamilia, who is also a Wanita Umno exco member, has won the No 2 post uncontested since Shahrizat has decided to go for the top post.

Rafidah: "We will meet 'di gelanggang' in March"...

"'It is not a question of whether or not I am accepting the challenge....there is a challenge and I will have to defend my post.

"We will meet di gelanggang in March," the incumbent Wanita chief, Rafidah Aziz, told Nuraina Samad of 3540 Jalan Sudin in response to her deputy's decision to challenge her for the post in the party elections in March.

Rafidah, in an interview with the blogger, said she was shocked by Shahrizat Jalil's "about-turn" - by going against her earlier pledge.

Shahrizat had assured her, the Wanita exco and the public that she had no intention of contesting the top post and had agreed to the transition plan to ensure a smooth transfer of leadership in June.

Yesterday, Shahrizat as expected - following recent development in the movement - announced her decision to challenge Rafidah.

Asked if she would hand over the leadership to Shahrizat in June if she wins in the March elections, Rafidah said:

"If I win, then I will have to lead the wing for another three years."- continue here.

Confirmed: Shahrizat to go for top Wanita post - Malaysiakini

Malaysiakini reports

Confirmed: Shahrizat to go for top post
Nov 20, 08 4:37pm

Wanita Umno deputy chief Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil today announced that she will contest for the wing's top post next year.

Sharizat, who was appointed as a special adviser to the prime minister after the March 8 elections, made the announcement via a two-paragraph statement this afternoon.

"Wanita Umno must be united in strengthening the party as well as be bold in bringing about changes and renewal," she said.

The announcement ended speculations as to whether or not Shahrizat would accept the 73 nominations for her to contest against incumbent chief Rafidah Aziz, who received 117 nominations at the division level.

Previously, Rafidah had stated that she would defend her post and hand over the reins to Shahrizat in June.

Strong backing for Shahrizat

However, Wanita exco member Kamilia Ibrahim threw a spanner into the works by announcing that she would contest for the number two post.

She had received 55 nominations, which is more than the minimum number required to be a candidate for the contest.

Kamilia's announcement led to speculations that Shahrizat had been left with no hoice but to go against Rafidah for the number one slot.

Kamilia, on the other hand, is expected to win the deputy chief post uncontested.

Some of the divisions which had nominated Rafidah were also said to have switched their allegiance to Shahrizat.

The Bahasa Malaysia version below:

Shahrizat sah cabar Rafidah
Muda Mohd Noor Nov 20, 08 3:24pm

Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil hari ini mengumumkan akan bertanding jawatan ketua Wanita Umno.

Beliau mengumumkan demikian dalam satu kenyataan rasmi yang dikeluarkan petang ini.

Menurutnya, beliau menerima pencalonan dan sokongan untuk bertanding jawatan ketua Wanita Mac depan.

Shahrizat merupakan naib ketua Wanita dan penasihat hal ehwal pembangunan wanita dan sosial kepada Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Beliau akan berdepan dengan Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, tokoh ketua Wanita yang paling berkhidmat selama 21 tahun, sekiranya ahli parlimen Kuala Kangsar itu tetap mahu mempertahankan jawatan tersebut.

Pengumuman Shahrizat itu menjawab teka-teki selama ini sama ada beliau akan menerima pencalonan untuk bertanding jawatan tersebut.

Ini berikutan desakan supaya Rafidah supaya mempercepatkan peralihan kuasa dari Jun kepada Mac depan.

Bagaimanapun, mesyuarat exco Wanita baru-baru ini memutuskan supaya pelan peralihan kuasa kekal pada Jun tahun depan dan tiada pertandingan bagi jawatan ketua dan naib ketua.

Bagaimanapun seorang lagi calon yang layak bertanding jawatan naib ketua, Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim bertegas akan tetap bertanding jawatan tersebut.

Kamilia mendapat 55 pencalonan dan layak bertanding jawatan naib ketua.

Ekoran itu, timbul desas-desus yang mengatakan Shahrizat tiada pilihan kecuali bertanding menentang Rafidah bagi jawatan ketua Wanita.

Dalam kenyataan dua perenggan itu, Shahrizat menegaskan bahawa Wanita Umno mesti bersatu dalam mengukuhkan parti serta berani membawa perubahan dan pembaharuan.

Dengan itu, Kamilia dijangka menang tanpa bertanding bagi jawatan naib ketua.

Selepas 191 bahagian selesai mesyuarat awal bulan ini, Shahrizat memperolehi cukup pencalonan untuk bertanding jawatan ketua.

Penyandang jawatan tersebut Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz memperolehi 117 pencalonan, manakala Shahrizat mendapat 73 pencalonan.

Malah, sebahagian bahagian yang mencalonkan Rafidah pun kini beralih sokongan kepada Shahrizat.

Menurut exco pergerakan itu, Raja Ropiah Raja Abdullah, lebih 100 bahagian menyokong Shahrizat bertanding jawatan ketua Wanita Umno Mac ini.

Katanya, sekurang-kurangnya lima negeri memberi sokongan penuh kepada Shahrizat untuk mencabar penyandang Rafidah.

The fight for Wanita Chief post is on…

The latest I read is that Datuk Shahrizat Jalil, the Wanita deputy Umno chief, will challenge incumbent Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz for the Wanita Chief post in the party election in March.

Highly placed sources said that Shahrizat is expected to make the announcement tomorrow, according to Malaysiakini .

Shahrizat has been under pressure from her supporters to go for the number one post since she has bagged 73 nominations, which makes her eligible to contest and challenge Rafidah, who has 117.

Since the transition plan was revealed on Aug 4, Rafidah has been criticised by Wanita grass root members for her unwillingness to let go of her post which she has held since 1984 - with the exception of three years when she lost to Datuk Dr Siti Zaharah Sulaiman.

Under the plan, the top two posts aren’t to be contested and Rafidah will only step down in June 2009 when she will pass over the movement leadership to Shahrizat. This means that Shahrizat will be acting Wanita chief for three years until the next party election is held.

Shahrizat initially agreed to the plan but on Sunday Nov 9 she asked Rafidah to reconsider bringing it forward to March because of “development” in the movement.

The Wanita exco held a meeting on Monday during which it rejected Shahrizat’s proposal and endorsed the original plan.

However, exco member Kuala Kangsar Wanita chief Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim sprang a surprise the very next day by announcing that she’d challenge Shahrizat. Kamilia, who has 55 nominations for the post of Wanita deputy chief, by the way, didn't attend the Monday exco meeting to show her objection against the transition plan.

The challenge mounted by Kamilia is the reason, many believe, why Shahrizat is now going against her earlier pledge of not contesting the number one post. She is left with no choice - sudah tersepit - but to go for it. Damn she does and damn she doesn’t.

Another reason is the increase in support she is getting from divisions who seem to have a change of heart. Ten out of the 13 Penang divisions have rejected the transition plan yesterday. And shifting loyalties point to a Shahrizat win. (read here , here , here and here).

Jainab Ahmad, the information chief for Sabah Wanita wing, has asked Rafidah yesterday to reconsider her transition plan, according to Bernama.

And Perak Deputy Wanita Chief , Datuk Rusnah Kassim, was quoted as saying that the movement "hope to have a leader in March not an acting chief.”

Watching the drama unfolding, the top two Umno leaders have declared they are not going to interfere in the decision of the women’s wing,

Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi, the Umno President, however, has expressed his concern and intends to meet the wing's leaders when he returns.

And what has Rafidah, who is holidaying in Hong Kong, to say about this latest development?

She will comment on the matter upon her return.

All the best to Shahrizat & Rafidah.


Related articles:
Aziz Hassan's entry A Plan Goes Awry -- And A Politician Refuses To Let Go
Nuraina's Heated And Hot In Wanita Umno (Part 2)

A lesson or two on what is money politics by Dr Khir Toyo…

There is a vast difference between what is political money and money politics, according to the former Selangor Menteri Besar.

Before anyone accuses him of being involved in political bribery which he, of course, denied, please gather your facts and please do not confuse these two terms - wang politik and politik wang.

Mohd Khir, who is vying for the post of Umno youth chief and who has bagged the second highest number of nominations, says that people should learn to differentiate between “political money” (wang politik) and “money politics” (money politics)

“In politics, we need to spend money for various expenses, especially for logistics."

According to him, in the United States, political parties will ask for political donations from companies and individuals to finance their campaign activities.

“This is not bribery," he said.

"Bribery is when you give in cash or in kind, like promises of datukships or positions, in return for support.”

Dr Khir said this in an interview with the Star in response to allegation that he is involved in money politics – the contender who is said to have spent the most during the divisional meetings.

“That’s total rubbish,” he said.

“When I was mentri besar, I received only my salary and nothing else.

“The Selangor state government dealings during my time were always transparent. I do not believe in money politics or other types of political bribery.

“Please do not insult the delegates’ intelligence. They vote based on ability and leadership qualities, and not because of money.” Read the rest of the interview here.

But Kamilia wants to go for Wanita No 2 post...

So where does this leave the incumbent deputy chief, Datuk Shahrizat Jalil (picture right)? What options does she have now that she is being challenged by the Kuala Kangsar Wanita chief? Will Shahrizat defend her post or will she go for broke and try to unseat her boss, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz?

According to the Malay Mail Shahrizat may still go for the movement’s top post.

In an exclusive interview with the paper, Shahrizat was quoted as saying she would wait for Kamilia Ibrahim's next move and seek the views of the grassroots before making up her mind.

It is rather strange coming from her right after the Wanita exco yesterday met and called for the two top posts to be left uncontested and decided that the leadership transition between Rafidah and her deputy in June stays as planned, rejecting the latter’s proposal to bring forward the transition to March.

And now that Kamilia (picture left) has announced her decision to contest the deputy chief post, will Shahrizat heed the call of her supporters and be brave enough to go for it - the number one post? (read here)

What if Shahrizat insists in defending her post and is defeated by her challenger? If she loses, Shahrizat will be left with nothing - and come June next year Rafidah will step down and hand over the leadership to Kamilia, assuming that she wins, of course.

Interestingy enough, Kamilia’s division nominated Rafidah - who is also MP of Kuala Kangsar - and her for the two top posts in the movement. However, Shahrizat maintained her lead with 114 nominations and Kamilia, 55 nominations.

The Star has the story below

Wednesday November 12, 2008

Kamilia to go for Wanita Umno No. 2 post

KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita Umno executive committee member Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim will contest for the wing’s number two post in the March party elections.

She said she would go up against Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil if she had to. Kamilia said she did not recognise the Wanita Umno’s leadership transition plan between Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and her deputy Shahrizat, set for June.

She said there were no provisions in Umno’s constitution for leadership transitions.

Kamilia, who has not attended the last two exco meetings including the one on Monday, said her absence was a clear message that she did not agree with the plan.

The Kuala Kangsar Wanita Umno head added that it was not up to the exco to decide who should lead.

On Monday, the exco had called for no contests for the Wanita chief and deputy chief’s posts in the interest of unity and strengthening the wing.

The meeting also rejected Shahrizat’s proposal to speed up the transition to March when the party polls would be held.

Kamilia has qualified to contest after garnering 55 nominations from 191 Wanita divisions. The minimum needed to qualify is 39.

Asked whether Rafidah and Shahrizat knew of her stand, Kamilia said: “I feel both of them know.

“I do not see the need for negotiations as I have made up my mind.”

In Kota Kinabalu, a senior Sabah Wanita Umno leader called for the movement’s leadership transition to be conducted simultaneously with the March handing-over between the party president and his deputy.

Kalabakan chief Datuk Hamisah Samat Hamisah, who is also Tanjung Batu assemblyman, said that if Shahrizat took over as Wanita Umno chief in March, it could be endorsed by the general assembly.

Shahrizat will not challenge Rafidah

Datuk Sharizat Jalil, the deputy Wanita chief, will not challenge incumbent Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz in the coming party election in March, allowing the latter to retain her post until June when she hands over her leadership as planned.

The decision was reached after the Wanita Umno executive council held a six-hour meeting yesterday.

Rafidah, had on Aug 4, revealed the transition plan saying that she will stand for election this year and step down and hand over her post to Shahrizat in mid-2009.

She also asked members to support her decision not to have any contest for the top two posts. Sharizat accepted Rafidah's decision.

But on Sunday Shahrizat had said in a press statement that she wanted the leadership transition plan between her and Rafidah to be brought forward to March in line with the transition of power between Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. In other words, she’d like Rafidah to step down earlier than planned.

Many members had asked her to declare her stand on the transition plan she said. She has received 73 nominations for the post of Wanita Umno chief, making her eligible to contest for the movement’s top slot. The number of nominations she has picked is also an indication that Wanita members wanted her to lead.

At the press conference after the meeting, Shahrizat explained that as a lawyer she was just putting down her thoughts into words and taking into consideration the views of the grassroots.

Here's Malaysiakini's report

Shahrizat will not challenge Rafidah

Nov 10, 08 8:11pm

Wanita Umno deputy leader Shahrizat Abdul Jalil will not challenge incumbent Rafidah Aziz in the party polls next March to allow the latter to retain the post without a fight.

And as planned, Rafidah will hand over power to Shahrizat in June, thus enabling the younger woman to act as the acting head of the movement.

These were the decisions made by the members of the Wanita Umno executive council in a six-hour meeting held today.

Their decisions were unanimous, although executive council member Kamilia Ibrahim - who has secured enough nominations to contest the post held by Shahrizat now - did not attend today's meeting.

It is still uncertain how Kamilia can throw the spanner in the decisions reached by the women's wing today.

As it stands, Shahrizat has enough nominations to stand in the election for the top post but she has decided to bide her time and wait for the June handover by Rafidah.

"I will take the initiative to negotiate with Kamilia together with Rafidah. I believe a wise decision can be reached," she told reporters.

To ensure solidarity

Rafidah also told reporters that she had the backing of the executive council to pursue with her transition plan.

"We had an in-depth discussion on the nominations. The executive council have agreed with the transition plan which was decided earlier and it will take place in June 2009."

Shahrizat who was present at the press conference, said she accepted the executive council's decision.

"I still respect the transition plan announced by Rafidah in August and today when we met, I personally asked her: Do you agree that about the transition plan, we open it for discussion?

"They have asked for it for the sake of Wanita Umno solidarity and to strengthen it; so we are maintaining the status quo until June," she said.

"I listen to the grassroots, I thanked them. I listen to what the executive council wants but most of all, I believe in the Rafidah's leadership.

"So, I say okay. This is for the good of the nation, for the party. Then I accept it," she said.

The dark horse Kamilia

The consensus reached by the executive council today was indeed a surprise as it was reported only yesterday that Shahrizat was going to ask Rafidah to bring forward her transition plan, preferably to March to coincide with the party polls.

Shahrizat's position is quite shaky with the present set up as she could face a tough battle - and lose - to Kamilia, leaving her with nothing.

If that happens, Rafidah would then be forced to hand over the leadership as planned to her deputy in June.

Many Wanita members also feel that the June transition plan would put a lot of pressure on the incoming chief - be it Shahrizat or Kamilia - as that person would have to prepare for the next general election on her own, without the aide of a deputy.

Umno Polls: Muhyiddin looks set to face a tough challenge...

It’s not going to be a walkover for International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He will be facing Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam and Umno Information chief Muhammad Muhd Taib for the second most powerful post in the party election in March - making the contest a three-way battle.

Ali Rustam, who is also Umno vice-president has secured enough nominations to contest for the post in the party polls. His 39th nomination - the minimum required - came from the Pasir Putih Umno division in Kelantan on Saturday.

Muhammad Taib, the last among the three contenders to be eligible to contest for the post succeeded in getting more than the required numbers on Sunday, the last day of the party’s divisional meetings, with nominations from Kelana Jaya and Hulu Terengganu divisions. He now has 43, three less than Ali Rustam's 46 nominations.

The former Selangor Menteri Besar, said to be fiercely loyal to current party President Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi, was forced to step down from his post in 1997 after being charged in Australia for holding currency worth RM3.8 million. He was found not guilty and appointed a senator in 2006 by Abdullah.

Muhyiddin, the former Mentri Besar of Johore and frontrunner for the post, has already bagged 90 nominations. He qualified to contest four weeks ago.

But Umno president-elect Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who won the party's top post uncontested last week, has not publicly declared his preference for the party No 2 spot, and this has turned the contest wide open.

In fact, his division of Pekan abstained from nominating candidates for the party Supreme Council posts, including the deputy presidency, to avoid influencing the delegates in the party election.

Datuk Seri Abdullah had also recently pointed out that there was nothing wrong with any contest for No 2, which many read as tacit support for Ali Rustam.

The race is particularly significant because the Umno deputy president is traditionally appointed Deputy Prime Minister, and will be considered a potential future Prime Minister.

The post was last contested in 1987 party elections – between the then incumbent Tun Musa Hitam and the lateTun Ghaffar Baba.

Najib Wins Umno Presidency Unopposed…

... as expected when he received his 134th nomination from the Batu Kawan division in Penang Sunday, clearing the way for him to be appointed prime minister next March.

By passing the 133 mark, Datuk Najib, who is deputy Prime Minister and deputy Umno President, has denied former Finance Minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, the only other candidate who has offered to go for the party presidency, from securing the required number of nominations.

A candidate needs 58 nominations from among the 191 divisions to contest the party presidency. Two-thirds of the party divisions have already met and there are about 40 which have yet to hold their respective meetngs.

As at 8pm, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, has garnered a total of 138 nominations.

Tengku Razaleigh, who is Gua Musang MP, has so far obtained only one nomination on Saturday. The sole nomination came from the Gua Musang (Kelantan) division which he heads. (read related article here)

International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin still leads in nominations for the deputy president post with 78.

Melaka Mentri Besar Datuk Ali Rustam, one of the three contenders for the post, has 32 nominations so far and needs another seven more to qualify for the contest.

The third candidate, Umno Information chief Muhammad Muhd Taib, has 28 nominations. Like Ali, he needs 39 nominations to qualify.

For the vice president posts, Tan Sri Isa Samad, needs one more nomination to join five other candidates who have qualified to contest.

Other candidates who have qualified are Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein with 105 nominations, Datuk Zahid Hamidi, 78, Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, 60, Datuk Shafie Apdal, 55 and Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, 24.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo is now ahead of Khairy Jamaluddin in the contest for Umno Youth chief.

The former Selangor Menteri Besar has so far obtained 56 nominations while Khairy, the son-in-law of Premier Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and the current deputy youth chief, has 51.

Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir still leads with 71 nominations.

The Umno divisional meetings will conclude next week.

Read Malaysiakini here and the Star here .


Click the above table for an enlarged view.
Read a voice's entry Najib: "tried and tested " new Umno President here

Umno AGM to be held from March 24-28...

...this was decided by the Supreme Council, said party president Datuk Abdullah Ahmad Badawi after its meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre on Friday.

The party elections will also be held during that time ending speculations that it might be brought forward to December this year, as was originally scheduled.

Speaking to reporters after a three-hour council meeting, Abdullah said: "The decision has been made long ago.”

On the handover of power to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who continues to take the lead for Umno president post with a total of 78 nominations as of last week end and unlikely to be challenged - Abdullah said it would take place after the party polls.

“You have got to give it a few days to sort things out." He said.

He also said that among the topics discussed at the were those involving campaigning, lobbying and money politics in the impending polls.

Abdullah, who is also prime minister, revealed that agents, campaign managers nd vote canvassers have been found staying in hotels around Kuala Lumpur.

“We have sent out observers to spot them. I am warning them to go home or stern actions will be taken against them.”

He also warned candidates against using “either directly or indirectly” overnment machineries for campaign purposes and not to spread lies through short messaging service (SMS). – extracts from Malaysiakini. For full report. go here and The Star report, here.

Nur Jazlan withdraws from deputy presidency race - Malaysiakini

Pulai Umno Division Chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, who announced his intention to contest for the Umno No. 2 post in the party elections next March, is dropping out of the race after failing to get any nominations so far.

He made the annoucement at the opening of the Pulai delegates' meeeting today.

A few Umno leaders have been critical of his intention - describing him as an upstart who is 'over zealous' in contesting for the second important post in the party.

Nur Jazlan Mohamed at 42, is the youngest among the four candidates contesting for the No 2 seat. The other three are Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Ali Rustam, (both of whom are Umno vice-presidents) and party Information Chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has described Nur Jazlan, along with Ali Rustam and Muhammad Taib as just "jokers", while endorsing Tan Sri Muhyiddin for the post.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin, the International Trade and Industry Minister is leading the race with 56 nominations followed by Datuk Ali Rustam with 18 and Tan Sri Muhammad Taib, 11 nominations.

Jazlan tarik diri tanding timbalan presiden –Malaysiakini

Oct 26, 08 1:45pm

Ahli Parlimen Pulai, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed mengumumkan menarik daripada menawarkan diri bertanding jawatan timbalan presiden.

Sejak bahagian mula bermesyuarat mulai 9 Oktober lalu, beliau yang juga ketua bahagian Pulai belum mendapat sebarang pencalonan.

Tiga lagi calon timbalan presiden, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin sehingga ini mendapat 56 pencalonan.

Manakala Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam dan Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib masing-masing mendapat 18 dan 11 pencalonan.

Sebanyak 191 bahagian mengadakan bermesyuarat perwakilan masing-masing sehingga 9 November depan.

The Star memetik Jazlan menyatakan sokongannya kepada gandingan Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dan Muhyiddin bertanding jawatan presiden dan timbalan presiden.

"Saya memberi sokongan penuh kepada Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein serta Datuk Zahid Hamidi untuk jawatan naib presiden," katanya ketika merasmikan mesyuarat perwakilan Umno Pulai hari ini. - malaysiakini

Umno Youth: It’s a three-cornered fight…

...for now, that is, when the third contender, former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Khir Toyo, succeeded in obtaining the magic number of 39 (nominations) needed to contest the Umno Youth leadership. (Malaysiakini - Khir makes it a 3-way fight)

MP for Jerlun and Youth exco member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir is still in the lead with 66 nominations followed by his closest rival, the movement's deputy head, Khairy Jamaluddin, who finally received enough nominations yesterday to contest for the top youth post.

Khairy, the son-in-law of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi, initially considered a favourite among the aspirants, received his 39th and 40th nomination from the Tangga Batu and Gua Musang divisions respectively, surpassing the 39 nominations needed to qualify.

As of yesterday has Khairy has bagged 44 nominations.

Dr Khir , who was still in the running with 12 nominations last week end, picked up his qualifying nomination from the Balik Pulau Umno Youth division in Penang and his 40th nomination from Tanjung Karang division in his home state of Selangor.

The Gua Musang Youth division had previously nominated Dr Khir for the post, but since the meeting was declared null and void, a fresh meeting was called yesterday and Khairy was nominated.

Mukhriz, the son of former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, became the first to qualify just two weeks after the 191 Umno Youth divisions began meeting earlier this month.

Latest on nominations for Umno No 1 and No 2 posts: here
Umno youth: here.

Umno nominations in full swing: Mukhriz & Hishamuddin first to qualify

Reports from Malaysiakini

Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir became the first to qualify for election as Youth chief when he collected 39 nominations leaving his rival, incumbent Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin, trailing behind with 20 nominations.

Two other contenders, former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo won 11 nominations, while Perlis Umno liaison deputy president Zahidi Zainul Abidin one (1).

In the race for the No 1 party post, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has received 24 nominations.

International Trade and Industry Minister and front-runner for the No 2 post, Muhyiddin Yassin, has obtained 21 nominations.

Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam has three (3) nominations, while Umno information chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib has 2.

Pulai division head Nur Jazlan Muhamed has not received any nominations yet. Neither has Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who offered himself for the No 1 post.

To qualify for election due to be held at the Umno annual general assembly next March, candidates for the No 1 party post need to secure a minimum of 58 nominations, while aspirants for the No 2 post need to have at least 38 nominations.

So far, 11 candidates have received nominations in the race for the Vice-President post. Thirteen 13 aspirants have expressed interest for the party’s third most powerful position.

Outgoing Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein received 23 nominations - making him the first to qualify to contest the post.

Former Youth chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who dropped out of the race for deputy president post, has the second highest nominations at 12.

Sabah Umno deputy chief Shafie Apdal, who suffered an early setback when Kimanis division in his home state did not select him, rebounded with 11 nominations.

Minister of Higher Education Khalid Nordin is next with eight nominations, followed by Home Ministeri Syed Hamid Albar with six, while Foreign Minister Rais Yatim collected five nominations.

Former chief ministers - Mohd Isa Abdul Samad of Negeri Sembilan has four nominations while Shahidan Kassim of Perlis booked three.

Former Minister of Science Technology and Innovation Jamaludin Jarjis and Negeri Sembilan state liasion chief Mohamad Hassan have two nominations each, while Kelantan liaison committee head Annuar Musa has one nomination.

To qualify for election, candidates for the vice presidency need to have at least 19 nominations.

Here’s the full list as of 8pm.


Click the above for an enlarged view.

Who will be Najib’s running mate?

Will it be Umno vice-presidentTan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin the latest candidate to join the race for the post of party deputy president?

It’s too early to tell says the deputy Prime Minister who will be contesting the post of Umno president left vacant now that Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi has decided not to defend his post.

Besides him, Gua Musang Member of Parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Arau Umno division Youth wing’s permanent chairperson Ismail Hashim, 43, have offered themselves to contest the president’s post.

Najib said he will “wait and see' before deciding on his running mate for the Umno top leadership contest next March and has dropped hints that his choice would be based on the number of nominations received by the candidate.

Muhyiddin, Mohd Ali Rustam, party information chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib and Pulai MP Nur Jaslan Mohamed have offered themselves for the deputy president’s post.

“I believe only serious and genuine candidates, whom members deemed fit, will finally prevail and secure enough nominations to contest,” Najib said.

“Let’s wait and see. It will be too early for me to comment on it,” he said.

According to him the number of nominations can be used as a yardstick to differentiate between a serious candidate and an uncommitted one’s decided on his running mate for the number two post.( Malaysiakini - Najib to decide later on running mate )

Of the aspiring candidates so far, Muhyiddin who is the International Trade Minister, seems to be the favourite contender. Garnering the 38 nominations needed to contest for the deputy president post will not be a problem for Muhyiddin.

Some 40 divisional leaders, mainly from Johor and Pahang, were with the former Johor Menteri Besar at the press conference held yesterday to announce his candidancy.

Muhyiddin, who has served as MP for Pagoh, Johor for several terms, has already been nominated to the post by the Machang Umno division in Kelantan.

Pak Lah won't contest and will step down in March

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will not defend his Umno presidency in the party polls next March, paving the way for his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Najib is expected to run for president, and if he wins, would become the nation’s sixth prime minister.

By tradition, the Umno president and deputy president become the prime minister and deputy prime minister respectively.

Datuk Abdullah, however, told reporters that he would "stay on as Prime Minister" till March. And according to rocky, he will go on a two-month leave before handing over the premiership to Najib.

Malaysiakini has the story:

PM not contesting, to quit in March

Malaysiakini Team Oct 8, 08 4:39pm

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has decided not to defend his Umno president's post and will quit in March next year when the ruling party meets for its annual general assembly.

The embattled premier announced this today to a packed press conference after chairing a 90-minute BN special supreme council meeting.

He added that his decision not to contest in the Umno polls was not to create a rift in the party.

"I am announcing I will not seek the presidency of Umno in the upcoming elections. I do not want a divided party and governing coalition, but one that is united and harmonious," Abdullah, 68, told a packed press conference, referring to the party's internal leadership vote in March.

Under the power transition plan agreed between Abdullah and his deputy, Najib Abdul Razak, 55, the deputy premier will take over as soon as Abdullah steps down.

"At some point I will have to hand over to my successor," he added.

He said that he hoped the person who will take over from him would be Najib.

"I hope it is Najib. Why do I say hope? Najib has to stand for Umno elections first. Once he wins the elections and becomes party president then we will discuss it (the transition)," he said.

"It is not the time for us to indulge in infighting or engage in narrow politics, it is now time for us to strengthen our unity and cooperate among ourselves and place the interests of the country above all."

Abdullah also said that he would want to implement his promises in reforming the judiciary and to give more bite to the Anti-Corruption Agency to fight graft before he leaves.

He added that Najib had agreed to back these initiatives.Cleaning up the judiciary, police force.

In pursuing these reforms, he said that he will be tabling two key bills in the Parliament before the end of his term - the Judicial Appointments Commission and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

The outgoing premier also vowed to push through the controversial Special Complaints Commission, which has been stalled in Parliament.

Abdullah had spoken much about these reforms in the past but to date no concrete action has been taken to get them moving.

"These initiatives are important because they are necessary to move our country forward. These initiatives are needed to regain our country's competitiveness. They are necessary to enable our nation and our society to face the challenges that the world has in store for us."

Earlier a component party leader told Malaysiakini that after Abdullah's announcement,the BN leaders took turns to thank him for his leadership over the past five years.

While Abdullah was briefing BN leaders on the power transfer plan at the meeting, scores of his supporters had gathered outside the PWTC building to urge him to stay on.

Armed with banners, the supporters called on the embattled premier to continue until 2010 amid the now confirmed speculation that he might be forced to step down earlier. - Malaysiakini .

Will he go for the Umno No. 1 post?

Well, not for now. The deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who’s also Umno no. 2 man says “there’s time yet” and yes, he has not decided whether to contest the Umno presidency in the party elections in December.

"I will make the decision when the time comes, there is still time," he told reporters after attending the Barisan Nasional (BN) Supreme Council meeting, here Thursday night.

Najib, who’s fiercely loyal to Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi has in the past reiterated his stand: He’d not challenge the PM for the no 1 post in the party.

Asked by reporters whether he would contest if he were to receive enough nominations from the Umno divisions, said it was not the time yet for him to make the announcement.

I guess, he doesn’t need to, does he, if they both stick to their agreement that the leadership change would be done at the right and best time. (read here).

Under the Umno regulations, the candidate for the presidency must obtain nominations from at least 30 per cent of the total Umno divisions in the country.

Meanwhile, Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Umno Thursday decided to allow application for membership to be made online while subscriptions could be paid via the short messaging service (SMS).

He said this was decided at the Umno Supreme Council (MT) meeting which lasted more than four-and-a-half hours at the party headquarters at Menara Dato' Onn, here Thursday.

(Source: Bernama. Read HERE)

Read also A voice's Adakah Najib memberi Isyarat? HERE

Too bad Ezam, you can’t run in Umno Dec polls…

...although you’re now an Umno member .

============================================

Former Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor who has been accepted into Umno will not be allowed to contest for any post in this year's party election.

Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor told reporters of the decision after the party's supreme council meeting Thursday night.

“He's a new member. He cannot contest this time around. He is only eligible to stand from next year onwards,” he said.

Ezam had said he wanted to re-join Umno because he believed in the sincerity of the Prime Minister in wanting to push through the reform agenda particularly after the March 8 general election.

Umno supreme council had endorsed the return to active politics of its former vice-president Tan Sri Isa Samad who had been suspended by the party for money politics.

“Tan Sri Isa can contest any post in the coming party elections,” he said.

Umno polls are held every three years and this year is party election year.

Umno branches will be having its elections from July 17 to Aug 24, divisions from Oct 9 to Nov 9 while the main party elections for president, deputy president and supreme council posts and posts in Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings will be from Dec 16 to Dec 20.

The Star has the story here

Ku Li wants Najib to remain as Umno’s No 2...

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who has offered to contest the Umno presidency in December, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak would be his choice to remain as deputy president. (read here )

Describing his relations with the Deputy Prime Minister as good, he said he had worked well with Najib back in the days when he (Razaleigh) was finance minister.

However, he said he would leave it to party members to decide on Najib's post.

Tengku Razaleigh, who is the Gua Musang MP, said “power in the party should be returned to members” by abolishing the existing quota system.

He called on the Umno leadership to be grassroots orientated, with leaders at all levels to be elected by the party.

“They should also be able to choose supreme council members without any restriction," he said during a dialogue session with the Umno branch leaders at Dewan Sri Mentakab on Sunday.

Tengku Razaleigh said divisions should also be given the power to choose the state liaison chairmen, who were now appointed by the party president.

“Umno is basically controlled by the leaders in Kuala Lumpur.

“In the future, branches and divisions should decide because they know very well who will work and serve the people and party," he said.

In the meantime, Prime Minister and Umno President Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi reinterated Sunday in Kuala Terengganu that Najib is his replacement although he has yet to set a precise date of transfer to to his deputy. (Read here and here)

Abdullah said the leadership transition was definite and would be carried out when he and Najib reached an agreement.

“I will hand over the Prime Minister’s post to him (Najib) ... that’s for sure, there is no doubt that he is my replacement, " he said.

“We have yet to decide on the date. When the time is right the transition would be done in a right way once both of us have agreed,” he told reporters yesterday.

On Friday, Abdullah was quoted as saying that he and Najib had reached an agreement on the right time for a leadership change. (Read here)

(Najib goes for the No.2 post while Ku li goes for the No.1 post? Now, would Najib or to be more precise, the misus, be agreeable to that arrangement? The misus gonna go beserk. Banyak cantik? )

Ku Li to contest Umno presidency

Saturday, 26 April 2008

(The Star) KOTA BARU: Gua Musang Umno division head Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said he would contest the Umno presidency despite the transition plan of the top party leadership.

He said the succession plan between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had nothing to do with the party and he had the right to contest if he had enough nominations.

“It concerns Umno, not the Government. I will offer myself if I have enough nominations from the divisions. It has nothing to do with the Government.

“I am not contesting, I am offering myself to serve, so if I have enough nominations I will offer myself (for the contest),” he told reporters when met at the Sultan so far only Tengku Razaleigh has come up in the open with his intention. And Abdullah
has welcomed "any challenges as I can’t be running away".Ismail Petra Airport here yesterday.

Abdullah said recently that he would defend his presidency and he would discuss the transition plan with Najib after the Umno general assembly in December. – Bernama

(So far only Tengku Razaleigh has come up in the open with his intention. And Pak Lah has welcomed 'any challenges as I can’t be running away' . But can he get enough number of nominations to enable him to contest with the quota system stilk in place? Well, you never know. With mounting pressure for Pak Lah to step down and if there are enough members still unhappy with the top leadership, Ku Li might get more nominations to run for party president now compared with just one nomination that he received in the last party polls.)