Veteran Umno vice-presidents Muhyiddin Yasin and Muhammad Muhd Taib - who have served two and three terms respectively - could be on thin ice as a majority of divisions are believed to be inclined towards 'rejuvenating' the party by opting for younger leaders.

In view of this, Umno delegates to next month's annual meet and elections are focusing on the partnership between Mohd Ali Rustam, Mustapa Mohamed, and Adnan Yaakob. The trio are in the vice-presidency race for the first time.

According to sources, many delegates feel that the upcoming polls would offer them the best opportunity to rejuvenate the party.

"This time, there is a strong likelihood that they will set aside emotions and make their choices for Umno's leadership based on current political realities."

"This may explain why the divisions were so eager to nominate candidates, so much so there are a total of eight candidates contesting for the three vice-president posts from Johor alone, there are three candidates who have qualified for the contest," said the sources.

The three from Johor are Muhyiddin, Syed Hamid Albar and Shahrir Samad.

"If Umno members had been satisfied with the performance of Muhyiddin dan Muhammad Taib, why were so many others nominated for the post [of vice-president] this time... there must be some reason for this," said the source.

Capable candidates

Asked why delegates would prefer the Mohd Ali, Mustapa and Adnan partnership, the sources the trio are seen to be capable and influential.

"Mohd Ali and Mustapa are seen as having strong grassroots support and both of them do not need to rely on support from (Umno president) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or (deputy president) Najib Abdul Razak." they explained.

As for Adnan, the sources said the Pahang Menteri Besar still had influence in the party although he may not be as powerful as before.

Following the end of Umno divisional meetings last month, Muhyiddin had garnered 159 nominations, Mohd Ali (119), Muhammad Taib (88), Mustapa (66), Mohd Isa Samad (37), Adnan (35), and Shahrir Samad (25).

Syed Hamid, who is also foreign minister, secured 22 nominations but has since announced that he is not contesting due to his ministerial commitments.

The Najib factor

Campaigns are already underway targetting the delegates to the general assembly, which includes the head, deputy head and vice-head of each division, together with the heads of their respective Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings.

On the basis of the divisional posts they hold, they are automatically picked as delegates who will then vote during the party polls.

Seven more delegates are picked by each division during the divisional meetings held last month.

Meanwhile, the sources said Najib's supporters are also expected to throw their support behind the Mohd Ali, Mustapa and Adnan partnership.

It is believed that the deputy president's supporters are aiming to sideline Muhyiddin as he is considered the biggest threat to Najib's future political aspirations.

"There are some who think that without a top party post, Muhyiddin will no longer be a threat to Najib in the future," said the sources.

When Abdullah took over the premiership last November, Muhiyiddin was initially tipped to be his deputy.

However, three months later the new premier named Najib as the number two.