Ex-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will back former rival Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah for the post of Umno president against incumbent Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said a veteran Umno member.

sanusi junid 050608 Former Umno secretary-general Sanusi Junid told Malaysiakini that Mahathir has decided to support the Gua Musang MP, who once challenged him for the Umno presidency and the country's premiership but did not succeed.

"I can confirm he is endorsing Tengku Razaleigh," said Sanusi, a close ally of the 82-year-old Mahathir.

But Sanusi declined to confirm if Mahathir, who still wields enormous influence in Umno, would rejoin the party.

English-language daily Star reported today that the former premier had been persuaded to return to Umno, after resigning in a huff three months ago.

Mahathir, who has fallen out with his chosen successor Abdullah, is pushing for leadership change at Umno, the controlling party in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

Star also reported that International Trade and Industry Minister MuhyiddinYassin was among those who had attended the meeting with Mahathir.

Rumours are swirling that Tengku Razaleigh might team up with Muhyiddin as his Number Two, to take on Abdullah and deputy premier Najib Abdul Razak in the Umno elections due in December.