The post-Mahathir Mohamad era is expected to see the return of former Umno heavyweights to active politics.

However, their supporters are keeping mum over the matter so as not to upset Mahathir's scheduled retirement next month.

A source told malaysiakini that efforts to bring these personalities back is to ensure that Umno stays as the major component party in ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN).

This is also in anticipation of a more conducive political environment after Mahathir's retirement next month, he said.

Back-up plan

"No doubt, (deputy premier) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is a good and clean leader, but we have yet to see his ability to run the party and the country as Mahathir did.," the source said.

"Whatever it is, we still need a back-up plan to ensure that Umno will remain the major component party in BN," he said.

"If Umno stays strong, the Malays and Islam will have a secured future in this country."

Following Mahathir's announcement of his retirement, speculation was rife that party strongmen - especially former vice president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam - would return to active politics

Since then, Musa ( left ) has repeatedly denied that he is interested in doing so, but there is no indication that Razaleigh will limit his political career to being the Gua Musang member of Parliament.

"It is not for them to decide whether or not to return to active politics. In most situations, politicians would react to political developments," said a source close to Umno.

"If there is a need for them to (return) and there is support for them, I'll bet they will reconsider their decision."

Delegates' decision

On the expected contest for the party vice-presidency, malaysiakini has learnt that several veteran Umno leaders may enter the fray.

The three current vice-presidents as well as three menteri besar - Abdul Ghani Othman (Johor) ( left ); Mohd Ali Rustam (Malacca) ( right ) and Tajol Rosli Ghazali (Perak) - have expressed interest in contesting the posts. Umno insiders are, however, tightlipped about the extent of the contest.

"I was also told that senior party leaders who have been on the sidelines will return to active politics by improving their standings in the party hierarchy," the source said.

However, he said, it is too early to gauge how they will fare in the party polls to be held after the next general election.

"The majority of members are confident that Abdullah will restore party elections after he takes over Umno and the government from Mahathir," added the source.

"There is even talk that Abdullah may allow party delegates to elect a deputy president of their choice."

At present, there is no contest for the deputy president's post, which is filled by nomination, subject to endorsement during the party general assembly.