It looks like Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Pak Lah was truly born to be the president of Umno while Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is destined to be the party's 'gurkha'.

Without much effort, and in spite of being sidelined from the government at one time, Abdullah's political star is shining brightly.

He has now been confirmed to have won the party presidency without contesting after securing 173 nominations from the 174 Umno divisions which have already held their meetings. Only 16 divisions have still to make their nominations. With his gentle demeanour, humility. firmness and clean image, Abdullah successfully won the hearts of Umno members.

Now all doubts about Abdullah's ability to lead the party and the government have vanished. Loose talk once heard about him being in the shadows of Dr Mahathir Mohamad have now been silenced.

Predictions about Umno falling apart under Abdullah due to struggles for power and position between him and Najib Abdul Razak have also been proven far off-target. Instead, the two leaders have shown that their partnership is stable.

As such, congratulations are due to Abdullah and Najib, though the weight of responsibilities and trust on their shoulders is heavy. The Malay's, and Umno's, battle has not ended! There are many trials and tribulations yet to be overcome by them as in politics, nothing is certain. Strange happenings and the unexpected can occur at any time.

Bravo, Ku Li

As for Tengku Razaleigh, popularly known as Ku Li, the upcoming general assembly may well mean the end of his dreams of leading Umno. It is very clear that he has been rejected by both the leaders and the members of Umno, with new generation leaders commonly in control now. He must face the truth that Umno now has no time for nostalgia.

However, he and his supporters in Gua Musang deserve a bouquet for their courage and sincerity in wanting to save and revive democracy in Umno.

At least we know that there is still one Umno leader and his group of members from the south of Kelantan who are still not like a bull being led by a ring in its nose.

Tengku Razaleigh and the members of Umno Gua Musang proved that they have their own independant stance and way of doing things. They are not Yes Men. They cannot be reproached or viewed with disdain just because they wanted to exercise their democratic right.

And Umno Gua Musang delegates do not need to feel remorseful, humbled or humiliated when they attend the general assembly this September. They should instead enter the Dewan Merdeka full of credibility and pride for having the guts to go against the flow.

Even though Tengku Razaleigh has been defeated, he has still made a huge impact on Umno.

Another interesting aspect of the conditional democratic process now in progress in Umno is the failure of attempts to prolong the political influence of Mahathir. His son failed in his challenge for the post of Kubang Pasu Youth head.

The failure of Mukhriz Mahathir is positive proof that the era of Mahathir has passed. Abdullah is now truly standing on his two feet.

Pak Lah's dynasty

Abdullah's son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, confirmed the strength of the influence Abdullah now has in Umno by winning the Youth deputy head post easily.

Even though some tried to distance Khairy's victory from the factor of his father-in-law, no one, within or outside, Umno can accept that. Why so? Because prior to Abdullah being made prime minister, not many knew of Khairy. Despite the attempts to deny it, the truth that Abdullah's dynasty is being built in Umno is not easy to refute.

After this, every action made by Khairy will be observed. His ability, together with that of Hishammuddin Hussein, to lead Umno's new generation will be evaluated. And how effective Khairy is in being the "bridge" between Umno Youth and Seri Perdana will be constantly watched.

Even though Khairy was given an easy path to the number two seat in the Youth movement, the road which follows is a more difficult one.

He will not only be the Umno Youth deputy head, but is also the prime minister's son-in-law. Khairy will be shouldering two responsibilities which are most heavy. His actions will not only involve himself, but will also be linked to Abdullah.

All sorts of speculation, controversy and trials await him. Even before this, he has been labelled as the most influential 28 year-old in Malaysia! And all the labelling and prejudices will not end here. His path from now on will be more twisted and exhausting.

Khairy must prove his effectiveness in leading Umno Youth before he can take over the number one post from Hishammuddin in future party polls.

Be careful, Shahrizat

In the fight for Wanita Umno posts, there were some groups in Umno which felt that the upcoming general assembly may be the last for Rafidah Aziz to lead the wing, making way for her current deputy, Shahrizat Jalil.

Even though she has not reached retirement age yet, Rafidah probably feels that the time to rest has come.

Shahrizat is considered to be mature enough to lead Wanita. However, it is thought that she will not be given an easy path. If the post of Wanita head is vacant at the next party polls, a close fight for it is expected.

But who will be brave enough to challenge Shahrizat?

Some groups in Umno predict that the most prominent challenger will be none other than Azalina Othman Said.

Azalina is seen as a new generation candidate. Many former Puteri Umno members, who have now joined Wanita Umno, see Azalina as one of the top Wanita leaders. They feel that the time has come for Azalina to be accepted by Wanita following the 2004 general election.

Even though there is still a long way - three more years - to go, the passionate manner in which former Puteri members have been contesting for posts like Wanita division heads and division committee members is seen as preparations for Azalina to lead Wanita in future. It looks like Shahrizat must work harder in the next two or three years.

Cheap publicity

In the contest for the three vice-president posts, seven have already qualified to stand. The best chances of winning are in the hands of Muhyiddin Yassin and Ali Rustam.

A close fight is expected for the remaining vice-president seats between Mustapa Mohamed, Muhammad Muhd Taib and Shahrir Samad.

Syed Hamid Albar is expected to exceed the qualifying quota this weekend but his chances of winning a vice-president seat is too slim. It may be better for him to follow in the footsteps of Abdul Ghani Othman because there are already many prospective candidates from Johor.

The candidates for vice-presidency and for seats on the Supreme Council should be aware of their personal limitations. Do not waste time, energy and money. Umno polls is not a "mega-sale" to be used to seek cheap publicity.

The above is a translation of a Bahasa Malaysia article which appeared in malaysiakini today.