The impending contests for several key positions in Umno at elections scheduled for September are being seen as a revival of democracy in the party under the stewardship of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

A party source today said the contests, which may include positions in Umno Youth, show the commitment of the leadership to effect changes.

Incumbent Youth chief and Education Minister Hishamuddin Hussein will either be vying for a vice-president's post, or will defend his post.

However, speculation is rife that Umno Youth divisions in Selangor will nominate Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo to contest the Youth chief post.

"Although the focus of this election is on the contests for vice-presidency, party members are also getting excited about a possible clash for the Umno Youth top post," said the source who declined to be named.

Comfortable leaders

According to him, the general feeling within Umno is that such a contest would mark the beginning of a serious effort by the leadership to revive democracy in the party.

"Party leaders have become too comfortable as they are almost assured, through the present system, of being able to stick to their posts uncontested for many terms," he said.

"This has obstructed much-needed changes within the hierarchy in line with changes outside the party and the government."

Echoing the view, an Umno state leader claimed that the stagnation of politics in the party had contributed to the swing of Malay support for the opposition in the 1999 polls.

"Every time there is a crisis in the party, Umno loses Malay support. In 1990, it lost Kelantan and nine years later Terengganu also fell," he said.

"This clearly demonstrates that, for Umno to remain in power, the support of its members alone is not sufficient... it also needs the support of the masses outside the party."

New leaders

On Umno's impressive performance in last month's general election, he said this was partly due to the changes initiated by Abdullah in the party and government.

"When they voted for Umno this time around, it was not because they are satisfied with the changes being effected, but because they hope to see more changes taking place in Umno and the government," he said.

"Otherwise, chances are the fence-sitters may withdraw their support for Umno in the next general election."

The state leader said he believes that the fence-sitters also want to see changes in the party hierarchy, especially in Umno Youth.

"Umno Youth is the best avenue for grooming future leaders. To allow more contests for top posts will also provide an opportunity for young leaders to mature politically and grow into able and trustworthy party leaders," he said.

Umno divisional meetings, where nominations will take place, will be held from July 8-22.