I was more amused than surprised, on the appointment of Megat Junid Ayub as the new Umno information chief announced by party president Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Amused simply because, my prediction on the candidate that will be chosen came true.

I opted to differ from the majority who have placed their bet on Tengku Adnan Mansor. The rationale behind my choice is simple.

Megat, in the past, has shared a close and cordial relationship with the party president.

Only his defeat in the last general election, which subsequently costed him the cabinet post, kept them apart.

Though some were of the opinion that Megat's fame and glory within Umno and government was over, I stubbornly disagreed.

His appointment now has proved that the president still has confidence in him. Call it culture or tradition, if you win the heart of the president, half of the battle is won!