There is no need for Umno leaders to resort to overkill for the party elections in September, as most divisions are likely to nominate acting president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy to fill the top two posts, said Kelantan deputy liaison chief Zaid Ibrahim.

He was commenting on yesterday's remarks by Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob that none of the state divisions will be nominating Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah for these posts, although certain quarters have been lobbying for it.

"His comments are unnecessary since, after all, few divisions will do that (nominate individuals other than Abdullah and Najib). I myself will be nominating them, " said Zaid when contacted today.

"Having said that, no one should use threats or put fear into delegates to stop them from voting for whoever they want. We are a mature and democratic party, and the people know that."

Razaleigh said last week that he was open to the idea of being nominated for any top party post. This fuelled speculation that the former finance minister may return to active politics by contesting the deputy presidency.

Abdullah, who is also the prime minister, has been non-committal about this, only saying: "It is up to him (Razaleigh)."

Consolidation concerns

Some leaders who backed the supreme council's 'no contest' ruling early this year, a move to protect the positions of Abdullah and Najib, was to facilitate a key agenda - to give Abdullah time to consolidate the party.

"Never mind, the No. 3 position (for three vice-presidents) is open to all - in fact, the more the merrier," said vice-president and former Selangor Menteri Besar Muhammad Muhd Taib.

"But when it comes to the post of president and deputy president, there should not be any challenges, so to ensure the party is strong."

Bernama today reported Perak Menteri Besar Tajol Rosli Ghazali supporting this view, claiming that even if a handful of divisions were to nominate Razaleigh, it could suggest a split in Umno.

While contenders have been warned from the outset against running for the top two posts, the same cannot be said of the vice-presidential race. It has attracted nominations for nine candidates to date.

Selangor Umno chief and Menteri Besar Mohd Khir Toyo said Muhammad would be the state choice, but that he would leave the other posts open for nominations by the divisions.

Of the support, Muhammad said: "I am very happy and thankful that the 32 Selangor divisions will be standing by me for the contest.

"Their support suggests that perhaps they wish to have a vice-president who is not necessarily in the cabinet, but who can concentrate on building a strong Umno, and can be approached for comments and discussion."