Najib most suitable as new No 2: Mahathir

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Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said today that Defence Minister Najib Razak was the most qualified to become the new deputy premier after he steps down next year.

But the veteran premier, who is to hand over power to his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in October 2003, said Abdullah was not "bounded" by his remarks and was free to pick his own deputy.

"It is not to tie him down. My intention is so that there will be no (power) tussle," Mahathir was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency from Bangkok at the end of his three-day trip.

"I see that in this case, the best candidate in terms of seniority and the most experienced in government is Najib."

According to the transition plan, Mahathir said leaders of his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) have agreed to postpone triennial party polls due in June next year until after general elections.

Prevent disruption

"This is to prevent any disruption in facing the general election."

The premier's comments lent weight to rising speculations of a snap general election before he steps down, although polls are not due until late 2004.

Mahathir first dropped hints Wednesday that Najib could be the new second-in-command in government after Abdullah takes over the reins.

"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," he said.

Abdullah has said it was premature to raise the issue and urged members of the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) to focus on unity ahead of general elections.

Jockeying for positions on

Politicians and analysts said jockeying for positions had already begun in UMNO.

Najib meanwhile said he was surprised by the premier's endorsement and would leave it to the leadership to decide.

The 48-year-old Najib — who is the son of Malaysia's second prime minister — has been part of Mahathir's cabinet for more than 14 years and is the top among three UMNO vice presidents.

Analysts said Najib's appointment would help Abdullah establish his control over UMNO by reducing the prospects of internal convulsion.

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. — AFP



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