Umno leaders are hoping that 'kampung boy' Mahdzir Khalid, who has taken over the reigns of the Kedah leadership, would steer the state to greater heights.

After a long line of 'town-dwellers' at the helm, they want the state's first 'rural leader' to capitalise on his close ties with the federal government and push the state forward.

Last night, it was announced that Mahdzir ( left ), 45, would be made menteri besar after incumbent Syed Razak Syed Zain tendered his resignation due to ill health.

Apart from having held a number of positions at the state and federal levels, Mahadzir was also the special officer to a former Kedah menteri besar Osman Aroff.

Presently, he is a state executive councillor, chairperson of the Yayasan Basmi Kemiskinan Darul Aman (poverty eradication foundation) and Pokok Sena district football association.

But what makes the former schoolteacher and principal, who hails from Pokok Sena, a true asset to the state, is his close ties with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He was the premier's political secretary from 1999 until his election to the Pedu state assembly seat in 2004.

According to observers, this was the factor that led to his appointment as acting menteri besar in July after Syed Razak went on medical leave following a stroke that led to paresis .

Natural and unnatural challenges

Commenting on the new leader, Padang Terap Umno division chief Ghazali Ibrahim said he hoped Mahdzir's close rapport with federal leaders and the Kedah grassroots would rejuvenate development in the state.

"We hope his relationship with the prime minister will make it easier to bring more development. He is a true son of the village, who is able to deal well with those from the towns as well as villages.

"This is the first time that a leader hailing from a rural area is taking the post of MB," he added when contacted yesterday.

Other leaders noted that his 'youthful energy' and 'open leadership' style would also benefit the state.

"He has tirelessly met people on the ground. Look at how he contributed during the Pengkalan Pasir by-election," pointed out Baling division deputy chief Abdul Aziz Sheikh Fadzir.

His views were echoed by Umno Langkawi Wanita chief Ku Puteh Ku Othman, who said Mahdzir had demonstrated great commitment to his work during the months he was acting menteri besar..

"He brings the benefits of his qualification, education and experience. But I also know him as somebody sensitive to the wishes of the grassroots," she added.

However, she warned that as Kedah menteri besar, Mahdzir would have to face both natural and man-made obstacles.

"He has to face the problems posed by nature, such as floods. On the other hand, he has to know how to deal with the internal politicking in the state Umno.

"When you're dealing with people who think only of the interests of bangsa, agama dan negara (community, religion and nation), it's quite easy.

"But when you have to face people who have their self-interests as top-most priority, then thing may not be that straightforward," the Wanita leader added.