THE LONG AND TWISTED RACE FOR UMNO YOUTH CHIEF

As the second generation of UMNO leaders, Hishamuddin Hussein and Mukhriz Mahathir qualified for the party election, the existing Prime Minister’s son-in-law has yet to follow suit.

Khairy Jamaluddin, once dubbed the golden boy of UMNO, is facing a different tune.

“He will make it, but it is tough to be in his shoes nowadays,” said a long time supporter of the UMNO vice-chief.

Khairy, or popularly known as KJ said the supporter, is being blamed for all the problems and the not-so-right decision made by his father-in-law.

“This is not fair. But how can he counter these allegations without putting his father-in-law in a bad light,” he added.

A political secretary, commenting on the nomination trend in the youth movement, said that Mukhriz was nominated not due to him as a person but as an alternative to the present leadership.

“He is nominated and chosen due to the wish of UMNO Youth members who wanted change. Mukhriz is there at the right place and at the right time,” he added.

The question now is will KJ pull out from the race if the number of his nominations is far behind compared to Mukhriz?

“Mukhriz and KJ has this bad blood between them. It is a proxy fight – Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) and Dr Mahathir (Mohamad). And I don’t think that KJ will back out as he has too much to lose,” said a political observer.

He believed it would be a do-or-die battle for KJ, and the UMNO Youth vice-chief would take all the necessary moves to ensure he has the sufficient number of nominations to contest.

“The second phase, the voting, will be a different scenario,” he added.

On Khir Toyo, many believed that the former Selangor Mentri Besar had made the wrong decision in contesting for the Youth top post.

“If he stick with the supreme council member he can easily win. But to contest for the chief post is a mistake, as he had lost a rich state to the opposition,” said the political observer.

He said Khir’s decision to relinquish the Selangor UMNO liaison committee chairman is seen has admittance of guilt and that would be used in campaign against him.

The fourth candidate, Zahidi Zainul Abidin, who had received a single nomination has yet to make any impact.

“He is acting out of spite nothing more and nothing less,” he added. – OCT 14, 2008

SHAR RUKH KHAN, BOLLYWOOD AND THE RACE FOR THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT POST

Word has it that Bollywood movie fans in the coming UMNO elections will give their votes to Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam for the deputy president post, as the state conferred “datukship” to Shah Rukh Khan, a Hindustani movie star.

The mere joke shows how extensive political readings can be for the deputy president post.

Until now, despite the “Bollywood attempt”, UMNO vice-president, Muhyiddin Yassin is still leading the race.

“He is suitable for the post due to his experiences in the government and the party,” said a division chief from Perak.

After all, the division chief added Muhyiddin was one of the frontrunners in bringing up the matter of transition of power to the leaders.

“He has the guts to tell the truth. He expressed the opinions and feelings of the grassroots to the leaders. There was a time when he was almost crucified in the supreme council meeting because of this.

“But he was willing to do that for the sake of UMNO members and the country,” he added.

The division chief is also convinced that Najib Tun Razak and Muhyiddin would make a good team to rejuvenate UMNO.

“Muhyiddin is always the voice of conscience,” he said, adding that the fact that Zahid Hamidi pulled out of the race showed that Najib wanted Muhyiddin to be his running mate.

“It is a well-known fact that Zahid is extremely close to Najib. Najib is Zahid’s mentor, and Zahid knows that Najib wants Muhyiddin,” he said.

However, Ali and Muhammad bin Muhammad Taib will be giving Muhyiddin a tough challenge. The fourth candidate Nur Jazlan Mohamad may want to project himself as a protest candidate, but unfortunately was not taken seriously.

A political observer said people will end up not taking Nur Jazlan seriously due to the move. However, he viewed Ali as a serious contender.

“Ali is using his 4B Youth Movement networking to gather support and votes,” said a political observer.

A division chief in the northern region who is also a leader in the movement said that he has no choice but to nominate Ali for the number two post.

“He takes care of his people. I have been with him for the last 10 years and he has never let me down,” he said, adding that despite the fact that Najib and Muhyiddin was the right combination for the top post but he had to nominate Ali.

“It is a predicament for me where my loyalty is tested to the fullest,” said the leader who is also aligned to Najib’s camp.

On Muhammad Taib, a political observer said most of UMNO divisions in Selangor would nominate him for the post.

“He is loyal to UMNO. Despite being dropped as candidate in the general election, he still worked hard for the party. He is right when he said that he will be the most loyal deputy to the president,” he added.

This time around the contest for the deputy president post would not be as “aggressive” and brutal as the Musa Hitam vs Tengku Razaleigh’s fight, but there is no denying that it will be more exciting.

“The race will set a precedent where two non-vice presidents are trying their luck. One of them may not qualify, as it is a contest of loyalty from their supporters,” said a political observer.

The contest seems reminiscent of a scene from a Bollywood movie. The question now is, will Shar Rukh Khan be retained as the hero? – Oct 13, 2008

MCA Race Begins, Aspirants Begin Criss-crossing Country For Votes

By Alan Ting and S. Retna

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- MCA leaders look all set to make their respective bids for party national positions, kicking-off their campaign rounds and criss-crossing the nation to garner votes for the election slated for Oct 18.

And like the US presidential race, which had now reached a feverish pitch after both democrats and republicans picked their respective candidates, aspirants of the second largest Barisan Nasional component party are expected to follow a similar path, announcing the posts they would like to contest.

To date, only three candidates -- MCA vice-president and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat, MCA Youth secretary-general Wee Ka Siong and Deputy Wanita chief Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun have announced their bid.

The others have decided to play the waiting game.

For the time being, Ong seems to be the lone candidate for the presidency of the party which consists of some one million members. Wee wants to be Youth chief and Chew intends to go for the Wanita head post.

The position of Youth chief fell vacant, following a decision by Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, who is also health minister, to go for the parent body position.

The Wanita chief post has also seen a vacancy with incumbent and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen wanting to have a shot at one of MCA's top three posts.

However, this calm setting is about to change in days to come, as indications are that after testing the ground, other leaders are expected to announce their intention on the positions they would like to contests at the MCA polls.

Wanting maximum media coverage, leaders like Home Affairs Deputy Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung and Federal Territory MCA chief Datuk Tan Chai Ho are expected to announce their candidacy for the MCA vice presidency Monday, knowing very well that newspapers would be hunting for stories to fill their pages during the three-day Merdeka holidays.

"I would announce my decision on Monday (Sept 1) in Aloe Star after the state liaison committee meeting," Chor told Bernama when asked if he would go for the vice presidency.

Other MCA leaders like secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who are likely to square-off for the MCA deputy presidency are expected to follow suit in the "very near future."

Ong, the younger brother of outgoing president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, had indirectly hinted that he would go for the party's second post, after three MCA divisions in Perak announced that they supported him for the number two post, in his presence, two days ago.

While Lim is mum on the post to contest, ardent supporters of the former deputy tourism minister reveal that the "boss" would also go for the deputy presidency.

"I will announce my decision after the state MCA Youth and Wanita elections," he said. The state MCA Youth and Wanita polls will be held simultaneously nationwide on Sept 6.

Another heavyweight, Dr Ng, is also expected to announce her bid in the next few days, possibly Monday, and talk is that the Iron Lady of MCA would fight for one of the four vice-president posts in the MCA. Sources also reveal that the outspoken Wanita leader would join the crowded veep race.

Liow, who is not defending his MCA Youth chief post, on the other hand is expected to make his announcement on Wednesday. He is likely to be another vice-president candidate.

Other leaders likely to join in the fray are Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung, former Penang exco Datuk Koay Kar Huah, former Perlis exco Loh Yoon Foo, former Negeri Sembilan exco Datuk Yeow Chai Tiam and former Sabah MCA chief Datuk Chau Tet Onn.

However, the bulk of party leaders are expected to fight for the 25 MCA Central Committee (CC) positions, which would be up for grabs.

Several Chinese-based newspapers have put the CC aspirant figures to as high as 126, with some divisions having up to three members wanting to go for the CC post.

"These people have expressed their intention, but this does not necessarily mean that they would file their nomination papers. As in the past, at least half would pull out," said a party insider.

This time around, the party polls would see several "big" names missing like Ong (Ka Ting), deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, treasurer-general Tan Sri Lau Yin Pin and organising secretary and former deputy education minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim.

Others unlikely to join in the fray are MCA publicity chief Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and former culture, arts and heritage deputy minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong. These leaders have either decided not to seek re-election or retire from active politics.

However, the question frequently asked in this MCA polls remains unanswered. Who will take on Ong (Tee Keat) for the party's number one post?

Party insiders reveal that the contender could be either MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn or former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek. But these two leaders could form a pact and trash-out on who should fight the top post.

"However, until now, there is still no light at the end of the tunnel. Dr Chua wants the top post," a party insider close to the two leaders told Bernama.

Dr Chua seems to be a clear candidate trading barbs with Ong (Tee Keat) in cyberspace via blogs and this is viewed by many educated MCA delegates as a good avenue to get to know the two leaders.

"It is as good as their manifesto. For Dr Chua, it shows that he is preparing to contest," an aide to a MCA minister said.

In his blog, Dr Chua projects himself as choice to revive the MCA which received a massive blow at the March 8 general election, while Ong portrays himself as a consistent leader "without any moral issue."

However, should Dr Chua, the former health minister, opt to go for the party's top post, the issue of morality due to his previous sex scandal will definitely haunt him during the campaign.

While these two leaders seem to be locked in battle, former health minister and veteran MCA leader Datuk Chua Jui Meng is the dark horse as he too, is said to be "eyeing" the MCA top post.

The path is clear for Chua after he retained the Bakri (Johor) MCA division head post and "he is likely to announce his decision next week," an aide to Chua told Bernama when asked to comment.

The next few weeks seem to be exciting times for the MCA.

If the leaders think that winning positions is difficult, then they are definitely wrong as another bigger battle awaits them.

That battle is, winning the hearts and minds of the Malaysian Chinese who had deserted the party at the recent general election.

-- BERNAMA

MCA leadership race begins

KUALA LUMPUR, Sun: MCA leaders look all set to make their respective bids for party national positions, kicking-off their campaign rounds and criss-crossing the nation to garner votes for the election slated for Oct 18.

And like the US presidential race, which had now reached a feverish pitch after both democracts and republicians picked their respective candidates, aspirants of the second largest Barisan Nasional component party are expected to follow a similar path, announcing the posts they would like to contest.

To date, only three candidates — MCA vice-president and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat, MCA Youth secretary-general Wee Ka Siong and Deputy Wanita chief Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun have announced their bid.

The others have decided to play the waiting game.

For the time being, Ong seems to be the lone candidate for the presidency of the party which consists of some one million members. Wee wants to be Youth chief and Chew intends to go for the Wanita head post.
The position of Youth chief fell vacant, following a decision by Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, who is also health minister, to go for the parent body position.

The Wanita chief post has also seen a vacancy with incumbent and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen wanting to have a shot at one of MCA’s top three posts.

However, this calm setting is about to change in days to come, as indications are that after testing the ground, other leaders are expected to announce their intention on the positions they would like to contests at the MCA polls.

Wanting maximum media coverage, leaders like Home Affairs Deputy Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung and Federal Territory MCA chief Datuk Tan Chai Ho are expected to announce their candidancy for the MCA vice presidency on Monday, knowing very well that newspapers would be hunting for stories to fill their pages during the three-day Merdeka holidays.

“I will announce my decision on Monday (Sept 1) in Alor Setar after the state liaison committee meeting,” Chor told Bernama when asked if he would go for the vice presidency.

Other MCA leaders like secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who are likely to square-off for the MCA deputy presidency are expected to follow suit in the “very near future.” Ong, the younger brother of outgoing president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, had indirectly hinted that he would go for the party’s second post, after three MCA divisions in Perak announced that they supported him for the number two post two days ago.

While Lim has not made any comments on the post he wants to contest, ardent supporters of the former deputy tourism minister reveal that the “boss” would also go for the deputy presidency.

“I will announce my decision after the state MCA Youth and Wanita elections,” he said. The state MCA Youth and Wanita polls will be held simultaneously nationwide on Sept 6.

Another heavyweight, Dr Ng, is also expected to announce her bid in the next few days, possibly Monday, and talk is that the Iron Lady of MCA will fight for one of the four vice-president posts in the MCA. Sources also reveal that the outspoken Wanita leader will join the crowded veep race.

Liow, who is not defending his MCA Youth chief post, is expected to make his announcement on Wednesday. He is likely to be another vice-president candidate.

Other leaders likely to join in the fray are Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung; former Penang exco Datuk Koay Kar Huah; former Perlis exco Loh Yoon Foo; former Negeri Sembilan exco Datuk Yeow Chai Tiam; and former Sabah MCA chief Datuk Chau Tet Onn.

However, the bulk of party leaders are expected to fight for the 25 MCA Central Committee (CC) positions, which would be up for grabs.

Several Chinese-based newspapers have put the CC aspirants to as high as 126, with some divisions having up to three members wanting to go for the CC post.

“These people have expressed their intentions, but this does not neccessarily mean that they will file their nomination papers. As in the past, at least half will pull out,” said a party insider.

This time around, the party polls will see several “big” names missing such as OngKa Ting, deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, treasurer-general Tan Sri Lau Yin Pin and organising secretary and former deputy education minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim.

Others who will not be contesting are MCA publicity chief Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and former culture, arts and heritage deputy minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong.

These leaders have either decided not to seek re-election or will retire from active politics.

However, the question frequently asked about this MCA polls remains unanswered. Who will take on Ong Tee Keat for the party’s number one post?

Party insiders reveal that the contender could be either MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn or former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek. But these two leaders could form a pact and battle it out on who should go for the top post.

“However, until now, we are still in the dark. Dr Chua wants the top post,” a party insider close to the two leaders told Bernama.

Dr Chua seems to be a clear candidate, trading barbs with Ong Tee Keat in cybespace via blogs and this is viewed by many educated MCA delegates as a good avenue to get to know the two leaders.

“It is as good as their manifesto. For Dr Chua, it shows that he is preparing to contest,” an aide to a MCA minister said.

In his blog, Dr Chua projects himself as choice to revive the MCA which received a massive blow at the March 8 general election, while Ong portrays himself as a consistent leader “without any moral issue.” However, should Dr Chua, the former health minister, opt to go for the party’s top post, the issue of morality due to his previous sex scandal will definitely haunt him during the campaign.

While these two leaders seem to be locked in battle, former health minister and veteran MCA leader Datuk Chua Jui Meng is the dark horse as he too, is said to be “eyeing” the MCA top post.

The path is clear for Chua after he retained the Bakri (Johor) MCA division head post and “he is likely to announce his decision next week,” an aide to Chua told Bernama when asked to comment.

The next few weeks seem to be exciting times for the MCA.

Besides winning positions, party leaders know that a bigger battle awaits them. And that is to the hearts and minds of the Malaysian Chinese who deserted the party at the recent general election. — BERNAMA

Odds shorten on Anwar as race gets tighter

By Debra Chong

PERMATANG PAUH, Aug 24 - Pakatan Rakyat's Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has as good as won the by-election here, according to the news in the underground.

The only question left – how big?

With two days to go before polling begins, illegal bookies in Penang are placing the odds at 4-1 in favour of Anwar winning by a majority of just above 10,000 votes.

A betting observer noted that it was a far cry from a week ago. Then, the bet stood at 5-1 with Anwar winning with an overwhelming 20,000 majority.

"Somehow, Anwar's popularity has decreased significantly in one week" he commented.

Was it due to the sodomy and corruptions allegations against him?

Not really, said a local Chinese gambler who had just stepped out from a legal 4D shop. Everyone knows Anwar will win, he said, because everyone here will vote for him. He added that some people might play dirty and use money to reduce the majority.

"I support him, but I'm not taking chances and placing my money on him because of that," said the elderly man of the bets on Anwar's win.

Another Chinese man, affiliated with the DAP, said that even the BN know that Anwar will win. The only thing they can do is to reduce the margin of victory, and they are going all out on that.

Why? "Because this is a Malay seat. If Anwar wins by more than 20,000 votes, it will mean that the Malays here are anti-Umno!" he analysed.

Should that happen, it may herald the beginning of the end for the present Umno-led Barisan government.

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