Widely regarded a tight race, the battle for the Umno Youth chief’s post is shaping out to be in favour of Jerlun member of parliament Mukhriz Mahathir. So far, he has managed to nab more nominations than his arch rival, Khairy Jamaluddin.

mukhriz mahathir 290508 Mukhriz is leading with 18 nominations while Khairy has managed to receive 11 as at press time (7.45pm).

Divisions that nominated Mukhriz are Jerlun, Besut, Kimanis, Alor Star, Cameron Highlands, Kota Melaka, Tasek Gelugor, Bukit Gelugor, Lipis, Jempol, Jelebu, Pasir Gudang, Kuantan, Bentong and Pagoh.

khairy jamaluddin Meanwhile, Khairy, who is Rembau MP and Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s son-in-law, received nominations from Machang, Pengkalan Chepa, Ketereh, Silam, Kota Kinabalu, Beruas, Bagan Serai, Bandar Tun Razak, Raub, Rompin and Pontian.

Another contender, former Selangor mentri besar Mohd Khir Toyo seems to have his work cut out for him in catching up, receiving only five nominations so far, from Tumpat, Kapar, Mersing, Taiping and Shah Alam.

Perlis Umno liaison deputy president Zahidi Zainul Abidin, who is also in the race, has yet to receive any nominations.

The contest for the Youth chief’s post is not the only heated one, as the race for the deputy’s post is equally tight, with Muar MP Razali Ibrahim getting ten nominations, ahead of Youth exco Reezal Merican Naina Merican who received seven nominations.

Weekend race heating up

About 20 divisions are scheduled to meet this weekend.

The Youth chief’s post is being vacated by incumbent Hishammuddin Hussein, who has set his sights on one of the elected vice-presidencies of Umno.

rosnah abdul rashid shirlin Another post up for grabs is Puteri Umno chief, where incumbent deputy Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin is leading with 10 nominations compared to its information chief, Shahaniza Samsuddin (6), exco member Ismalina Ismail (2) secretary, Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khalid (2) and Pulau Pinang chief Azlina Mehtab Mohd Ishaq (1).

The ten divisions that nominated Rosnah are Kimanis, Padang Rengas, Tumpat, Pensiangan, Ketereh, Sipitang, Kuala Terengganu, Besut, Beruas and Silam.

Meanwhile, Shahaniza was nominated by Langkawi, Kudat, Keningau, Kuala Kedah, Sandakan and Pokok Sena.