Several Umno leaders have described the appointment of party vice-president Najib Abdul Razak as the nation's ninth deputy prime minister as timely, in view of the coming general election.

Najib, 50, who is the Member of Parliament for Pekan in Pahang, retains his defence portfolio. 






 The appointment has put to rest the speculation that ensued after Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over from Dr Mahathir Mohamad last November.




 
 




 Umno vice-president and former Selangor Menteri Besar Muhamad Muhd Taib said Najib's appointment will strengthen the party and government.




 Asked whether Najib was the right choice, Muhd Taib said: "We pledged at the last Umno annual general assembly to leave it entirely to Pak Lah to choose his deputy.




 "Since Pak Lah has made his decision, I hope everyone will give their support to the person - in this case Najib - chosen to be his deputy."




 
 Describing Najib as an experienced leader who has served in several important ministries, Muhammad said he was also confident that Najib would be able discharge his duties well.




 Muhammad said Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno would now be able to face the general election as a strong and united team.




 
 




 
  Confidence in Najib
 










 Bernama


reported that Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob believes that the elevation of Najib, whose home state is Pahang, will strengthen the state BN machinery for the election.


 He also said Najib would help the prime minister in managing both domestic and foreign affairs.




 
 "We are overjoyed to see someone from Pahang being appointed Deputy Prime Minister," he said after chairing the executive council meeting in Kuantan today.




 Adnan was also confident that Umno members would support Najib and avoid any speculation that could undermine Umno's strength.




 Johor Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman said Najib would contribute to the government machinery for the well-being of the people.




 "Johor Umno is confident that Datuk Seri Najib will discharge his duties as deputy to Datuk Seri Abdullah. He has vast experience at local and international levels."