Certain quarters within Umno Youth believe that the time has come for the movement's chief Hishammuddin Hussein to move up the party hierarchy.

They said the 43-year-old leader should consider contesting for vice-presidency in the Umno polls scheduled for this June should he receive enough nominations.

"This is the process of growing up. He should not stick to the post (Umno Youth chief) at the expense of other potential leaders in the movement," said the insiders, who declined to be named.

They added that the Umno Youth chief post is always considered a 'stepping stone' to reach greater heights.

"This is because Umno youth also sends delegates to the annual party assembly. As such, they also hold a bargaining chip to offer support for the candidates."

Capable replacements

The insiders noted that it would be a waste if Hishammuddin does not explore the possibility of ascending the party ranks and allow able leaders to succeed him.

"If Hishammuddin moves, we still have good leaders such as Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo to take over the movement leadership.

"Coupled with several other good and able leaders such as the movement's vice chief Abdul Aziz Sheikh Fadzir ( left ) and its information chief Azimi Daim, we can rest assured that Umno Youth is in good hands," he added.

Speculations are rife about the possibility of Mohd Khir, 38, being nominated to contest for the Umno Youth chief post should Hishammuddin decide to vie for vice-presidency.

This has created discomfort within the latter's camp, which feels that Hishammuddin is not ready to move as he lacks the necesssarry support.

Campaigning underway

Mohd Khir has also repeatly denied harbouring any intention of helming Umno Youth.

Despite this, the insiders told malaysiakini that campaigning was underway at the grassroots level to secure nominations for the menteri besar - also an exco member in the youth wing - in the coming party polls.

Hishammuddin was appointed and not elected as Umno Youth chief after its then incumbent Zahid Hamidi was forced to quit for openly supporting jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim in 1998.

In view of this, the insiders point out that Hishammuddin's clout has never been tested and this worries his supporters.

On the same note, they said there is the possibility of Mohd Khir turning down the chance to contest against Hishammuddin.

"But it is high time for Hishamuddin to consider contesting for the higher party post and let others take over his post in Umno Youth.

"He must have the guts to do so... otherwise it will look bad on him as some may think that he is feeling insecure," they stressed.