Certain quarters in Umno have expressed surprise at the timing of a proposal by the Umno management committee, headed by deputy president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, to dissolve existing divisional committees and set up pro tem committees until the next party polls.

"The ruling came as a surprise to everyone. They are curious to see what will happen next," said a source familiar with Umno.

Asked whether there would be a move to question the party leadership on the matter, he said: "Most members and leaders do not mention it openly for fear of offending top party leaders. But, the wisdom of such a move is highly questionable.

"We know that some of the incumbents may not accept this arrangement. Obviously, there are suspicions about the motive behind the move."

Expressing surprise, another party source said the move could be construed as an attempt to overhaul the party leadership right down to divisional level, to align this with the incoming leadership after October.

Motive unknown

Political analysts said it was too early to question the motive, but agreed that the "situation can be twisted and distorted".

Incumbents especially appeared curious about the move to dissolve party divisions, which could have resulted in their becoming has-beens, according to an analyst.

By now, he added, there would be growing realisation of the impact that the whole episode could have on their political careers.

News about the proposal was announced by Wanita Umno chief Rafidah Aziz after chairing the wing's executive committee meeting last week.

The next day, Umno secretary-general Khalil Yaakob then clarified that the proposal would be discussed during the party supreme council meeting "soon".

He also said the final decision on the setting up of the pro tem committees would be made by the supreme council.

It is understood that the proposal stemmed from a need to increase the number of Umno divisions in tandem with the recent redelineation exercise, which had increased the number of federal and state seats. Umno therefore needs to create 25 more divisions, from the 165 currently.

On appointments to the pro tem committees, Khalil said this would be left to the wisdom of the respective state Umno liaison committees.

Abdullah later clarified that all existing members would be reappointed on a pro tem basis until the next party polls, which have been postponed to after the general election due by November 2004.