Umno deputy Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin today drew first blood, winning the Machang nomination for the Youth chief post.

khairy jamaluddin Khairy, the son-in-law of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, faces a tough fight against Mukhriz Mahathir, Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and Zahidi Zainul Abidin for the influential Youth post.

The post is currently held by Hishammuddin Hussein who is trying to land a senior post in the main party.

mukhriz mahathir The Machang Youth division had been tipped to nominate Mukhriz, the son of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

While the early victory is a boost for the 32-year-old Rembau MP, party watchers say the journey ahead is still a rocky one for Khairy, an Oxford graduate, especially after yesterday’s decision by his father-in-law to quit in next March.

Abdullah, 68, had announced he would not be defending the Umno presidency, clearing the way for his deputy Najib Abdul Razak to move up the ladder.

Surprise

Political observers say it would be tough for Najib to openly endorse Khairy as this might incur the wrath of Mahathir, who still wields substanial influence in the party.

“It is going to be very complex for Najib to manage the Khairy situation,” said political analyst Khoo Kay Peng.

“While he is grateful to Abdullah for stepping down earlier and giving him the chance to contest the presidency, he has to consider the feelings of Mahathir who has also helped him.”

Machang division held their delegates meeting at Sekolah Menengah Sains, where 337 delegates from 125 branches cast their votes.

Khairy, who polled 96 votes to beat Mukhriz's 78, was nominated by committee member Eriandi Ismail, while division head Sazmi Miah proposed Mukhriz.

Eriandi later told reporters that delegates believed Khairy was better able to take the Youth wing to 'greater heights'. Meanwhile, Sazmi said the division would respect the decision, although it was a surprise.