Najib Abdul Razak's contest-free ascension to power in Umno is an indication that a strong unity exists within the party, said Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin.

"Congratulations to Najib for winning uncontested the Umno presidency. We have always believed from the very beginning that he will be given the fullest support and endorsement from members. And this is proven," Muhyiddin was quoted as saying the Star Online today.

muhyiddin yassin and najib and umno Muhyiddin, who is bidding to be Najib's deputy in the party polls next March, said the total number of nominations received by Najib thus far - 141 as opposed to just one by former vice-president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah - showed that the members have accepted the transition plan put in place by premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Under the plan, Abdullah has agreed to hand over both the party and government posts to Najib in March, after the Umno annual general meeting, on the proviso that Najib did not lose the Umno president's post.

Following that every Umno division had nominated Najib for the top post. Only Tengku Razaleigh's own division of Gua Musang had backed the Kelantanese prince.

Yesterday, Najib surpassed 133 nominations, which automatically meant that no challenger can now obtain the required number of nominations (58) to contest for the top post.

There are 191 Umno divisions nationwide with about 40 more to hold their meeting before the Nov 9 deadline.

"I think it shows the acceptance of this so-called transition plan that had been worked out and endorsed by the supreme council. This is very evident by the massive support with the exception of one division. I think that indicates the very strong unity that exists within Umno itself," stressed Muhyiddin.

"We have very high expectations of his leadership but I believe he's the best person to lead the party and the government," he added.

‘Very good news'

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan said Najib's victory as the new Umno president was a "very good news".

The Supp president was quoted in Bernama as saying that he was looking forward to work with Najib.

"At least, we have one problem solved for us in Barisan Nasional (BN) in Sarawak because we know who our new prime minister is going to be, and there is going to be a more united Umno, in that sense," he said.

And in a related matter Malaysian Indian United Party president KS Nallakarupan also welcomed Najib's win as the Umno president.

nallakaruppan and miup party 211107 "I am sure that he would bring good news for the Indian community as soon as he becomes the prime minister in March," he told Malaysiakini in a statement.

He said that he had held various discussions with Najib on the plight of the Indian community and was very encouraged by what the latter had to say.

"I am sure that Najib, as the chairperson of the cabinet committee for the Indian committee, will be able to move faster with his reforms as a prime minister," added Nallakarupan.

"At the same time, we must also thank Abdullah, for whatever he has done for the community," he added.