Forthcoming Umno polls shaping up to be an interesting affair

While the top two positions of president and deputy president will not be contested in the Umno election, the list of eminent figures vying for top posts in the party had its members and observers buzzing with excitement. 

For the first time, seven prominent candidates are battling for three vice-president positions in the party elections on March 18.

They include supreme council member Johari Abdul Ghani and incumbents Khaled Nordin and Mahdzir Khalid.

Others who have decided to join the race include Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said, Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Ismail, former Johor menteri besar Hasni Mohammad and former housing and local government minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

If experience and background are taken into account, the nomination of the seven prominent leaders will certainly make it difficult for delegates to choose just three of them as vice-presidents.

On paper, Khaled and Mahdzir are seen to have the upper hand but other candidates should not be overlooked.

Khaled, an old-timer, may be viewed as Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s right-hand man, while Mahdzir is perceived to be laying low on the formation of the Pakatan Harapan-BN government after the 15th general election (GE15).

Meanwhile, incumbent vice-president and former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s decision to forego the vice-presidency has raised eyebrows.

Although Ismail Sabri denied that it was the end of his political crusade, the Bera MP seems to be keeping his cards close to his chest.

Meanwhile, it is likely that Zahid would want like-minded subordinates who would support his strategies and directives.

Among seven of the vice-presidential candidates, several individuals were identified as Zahid’s confidants or at least had chosen to remain neutral among the party’s camps.

74 to contest 25 supreme council posts

Following the formation of the government, Umno dismissed or suspended several of the party’s leaders that were unhappy with the party’s move to cooperate with Harapan. 

Meanwhile, Umno’s supreme council will be filled by 25 leaders chosen among 74 candidates.

The Wanita, Youth, and Puteri wings will also see interesting competitions, especially involving senior figures vying to make a comeback.

These include former Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil returning in a bid to reclaim the post, competing against her successor and incumbent Noraini Ahmad.

As for the Umno Youth chief position, it will be a four-cornered fight between Arman Azha Abu Hanifah, Akmal Salleh, Meor Hassan Mat Ali and Syed Rosli Syed Harman to replace Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

The Puteri Umno chief post will see a six-way tussle. Five of the contestants are supreme council member Khaidirah Abu Zahar, Puteri Umno deputy chief Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi, Puteri Umno exco member Fadhwa Anuar and Pandan Puteri Umno chief Wan Noor Akyilah Wan Shapuddin.

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