Despite in-your-face calls by Johari to delegates to reconsider their move to vote Mahathir as one of seven delegates to represent Kubang Pasu at November's assembly, the former premier still remains the centre of attraction with delegates and the media.

Though no untoward incidents occurred during this morning's proceedings, the atmosphere was that of a barely contained circus show, with the anti-Mahathir faction using every subtle form of dissuasion to discourage delegates from voting for Mahathir.

Mahathir arrived at 9am, and promptly plonged himself in the front row, right opposite the division committee members on the main stage.

Umno officials however, prevented the media from standing directly in front of the stage to take photographs of the former premier, citing that it would disrupt the official speeches and proceedings.

At least 700 people, including delegates were present at the Dewan Wawasan, Jitra in Kedah today.

As happened last night, Kubang Pasu division chief Mohd Johari Baharum used Mahathir's old speeches against the ex-Umno president, stating that delegates should not vote for Mahathir "because our former Umno president said that the needs of the party outweigh the needs of individuals".

He added that Mahathir was right in that "the party is not about the leader only, it's not only about Tun, but the continued struggle to protect the interests of the Malays."

Blast from the past

Johari repeatedly quoted Mahathir's speeches that were made at Umno general assemblies in the 1980s.

He reminded delegates that it was their duty to obey and follow instructions from party leadership. Doing otherwise would result in "Umno ceasing to exist or able to move forward."

"Tun Dr Mahathir was selected due to a trust place on him by the party. It is a temporary burden of trust, done for the party, race and the country," he said.

He added that Mahathir has been selected as Umno president because at the time there was nobody better qualified.

Johari said he was quoting from an Umno speech by Mahathir on April 24 1987, where the latter said "not one of us is important, including myself. What is important is for Umno to change the fate of the Malays".

Johari, this time however, did not openly called for delegates not to vote for Mahathir.

Kedah Mentri Besar Mahadzir Khalid who was present to officially launch the event played the good cop.

He said that it was his 'hope' that the argument between Mahathir and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would be settled amicably.

"After 2004 (general elections), Umno became strong. We want Datuk Seri Abdullah and Tun Dr Mahathir to resolve this dispute on good terms. We don't want this issue to be dragged on. Umno members must not misunderstand things," he said

He said the matter should be pacified before it gets out of hand. "We don't want to end up burning our house (Umno) because of protracted arguments."

He then cited Islamic history of the caliphs (rulers) who went on murdering rampages that lasted several generations. "Don't let us destroy ourselves, because of revenge," he said.

The former prime minister was accompanied by his wife Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali. They were officially welcomed by Johari and former mentri besar Osman Aroff.

In his speech, the Kedah MB also said he did not want things to go so out of hand that it resembled what happened to first prime minster Tunku Abdul Rahman and Hussein Onn and Abdul Rahman Yakub (former Sarawak chief minister and governor).

"They were good leaders who contributed so much to the party, but it came to such pitiful ends. We don't want what is happening today to reach that stage," he said, referring to the spat between Mahathir and Abdullah.

"The Umno leadership crisis in 1987 has caused Umno to be de-registered and in 1998, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's firing has caused Umno members to become confused and the opposition, in particular PAS took advantage of it," he said.

Mahadzir also said that Umno Kedah has no place for "party traitors".

Lining up to greet Mahathir

When the meeting broke for lunch, Mahadzir and Johari made way for Mahathir to proceed down the red carpet. The former premeir had turned down the offer with a gesture of his hand, before being swamped by delegates.

Both Mahadzir and Johari then went to the entrance to pose for a group photograph, before the Kedah MB left. No reporters asked any questions. Mahathir went to the VVIP lounge for lunch.

When Mahathir returned from lunch, instead of sitting in front, he sat among common party members, behind the rows reserved for delegates. For several hours this prompt many delegates, members and admirers to line up and greet the former premier.

Before the candidature procedures was finalised, in an apparently cheeky move, the election committee chairperson had called for a pause to give "chance" to delegates to reconsider Mahathir's inclusion into the list.

"This is a pivotal moment, when a former president is now competing to return as a delegate. I'm just raising awareness of the importance of this move," said the chairperson, before being heckled.

Mahathir and his son Mukhriz are among 15 finalised candidates who would be competiting today to represent the division to the Umno general assembly in November.

Two candidates had pulled out at the last minute.