Umno’s New Media Unit (UMB) today denied that it has released a list of party heavyweights allegedly dropped from candidacy for the the upcoming polls.

A blog www.ppum-umb.blogspot.com had spoofed UMB’s website and posted the name list, although several UMB affiliated blogs pointed out the unit’s official URL is www.umbppum.blogspot.com .

NONE "UMB’s work seems to be effective against Pakatan, as attack after attack are directed to try and stop our work,” said unit chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz (right) on his blog, accusing the opposition pact of being the perpetrators of the counterfeit site.

“We will only smile at the antics of the Pakatan boys and accept this as validation that UMB plays a significant role in strengthening Umno and BN’s cyber machinery,” he continued, labelling the list and cloned site as an attempt at sabotage.

The list has indeed been picked up by pro-Pakatan bloggers and party organs, which circulated the lists claiming them to be the gospel truth, causing a stir in political circles.

Meanwhile blogger Rocky Bru, who is former journalist Ahiruddin Attan, posted a response claiming the list to be the personal candidates wishlist of blogger Jailani Harun, who goes by the handle Bujai.

“Oh, by the way. This has been Bujai’s list of Umno politicians he wishes not fielded on the May 5,” said Rocky's blog posting, in which he listed the same names as the counterfeit site’s ‘drop-list’.

Fake list rings true?

The list from the UMB spoof site and Bujai was however spot on regarding the fate of several big names, which analysts, pundits and insiders have all said would indeed be dropped.

These included incumbent Jelebu MP Rais Yatim and incumbent Tasek Gelugor MP Nor Mohamed Yakcop, whose non-candidacy has already been news in press reports and insider leaks.

However, other names on the ‘drop-list’ are more unlikely as they include Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and former Rompin MP Jamaluddin Jarjis, both of whom are either too close to Najib to be sidelined or too important to the party.

NONE Incumbent Tanjong Karang MP Noh Omar and incumbent Sepang MP Mohd Zin Mohamed are also less like to be dropped, as both are among the candidates for the Selangor MB post should BN recapture Selangor, and they are most likely being sent to state seats even if dropped from the parliamentary line-up.

Incumbent Padang Rengas MP Nazri Aziz ( left ), who is also in the ‘drop-list’, is also more likely to be moved to a state seat in Perak as a possible MB candidate.

Several big names like Felda chairperson Isa Samad listed in the ‘drop-list’ are also non-issues as like Isa, they have already announced they will not contest. Isa, insiders say, is going to give way to second-liners to take over his state seat Bagan Pinang.

Other big names mentioned in the list of those allegedly to be dropped include incumbent MPs Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin (Papar), Abu Seman Yusop (Masjid Tanah) and senator Awang Adek Hussein (former Bachok MP).

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