Mahathir hints Najib could be new deputy when he retires next year
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has indicated that Defence Minister Najib Razak could be the new second-in-command in the government after his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi takes over next year.
"Actually if I'm no longer prime minister, Pak Lah (Abdullah) will be the prime minister today and perhaps Najib will be deputy prime minister, but they are willing to wait for another 16 months to get the posts," Mahathir was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.
Mahathir's comments late Wednesday were seem as an attempt to avert a possible power struggle during the 16-month transitional period before he hands power to Abdullah, observers said.
Najib told reporters later today that he was surprised by the premier's endorsement and said he would leave it to the leadership to decide.
"I am shocked because the prime minister said it openly. I do not know what to say," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.
Asked if he was ready to become deputy premier, he added: "Wait for the time to come, we will leave it to the leadership to decide."
The 48-year-old Najib already has a headstart as the son of Malaysia's second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein and nephew of third premier Hussein Onn.
He was only 23 when he stepped into politics, winning uncontested the parliamentary seat left vacant by his father's death. His portfolios included being chief minister for Pahang state and education minister.
An economics degree holder, he has been part of Mahathir's cabinet for more than 14 years and is the most popular among three vice presidents of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), having won the highest number of votes during 2000 party polls.
Lessening power struggle
Analysts have said that Najib's appointment would help Abdullah establish his control over Umno by reducing the prospects of internal convulsion.
"Who becomes deputy is crucial as it is the stepping stone to the presidency and Abdullah is seen as an interim transitional leader. Najib is the best suited man for the job for the sake of party unity," an Asian diplomat said.
The other two vice-presidents are Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Muhyiddin Mohamad Yassin and former Selangor state chief minister Muhammad Muhammad Taib.
Muhyiddin, 55, from Johor, has strong grassroots support and could spring surprises, observers said.
But Muhammad, 56, was not seen as an "acceptable figure" after a financial scandal in 1997 that forced him to resign as Selangor menteri besar, analysts said.
Politicians and observers said jockeying for positions had already begun in Umno despite Mahathir's hint and remarks Wednesday that party leaders had given him an undertaking that there would be no power struggle for the number two post.
Traditionally, the Umno president and deputy president become prime minister and deputy premier respectively as the party is the backbone of the multiracial ruling National Front coalition.
Umno is due to hold triennial leadership polls in June next year but there is speculation that the party polls may be postponed to make way for a snap general election before Mahathir steps down, although it is not due until late 2004. -AFP
For more news and views that matter, subscribe and support independent media for only RM0.36 sen a day:
Subscribe now