Mahathir’s son confirms bid for UMNO vice-presidency

ALOR SETAR — Kedah Mentri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir has confirmed that he will be vying for one of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) vice-president seats, in a move that puts pressure on the three incumbents who will be defending their positions, and which could potentially weaken Prime Minister Najib Razak’s hold on the country’s largest party.

The incumbents — Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister of Rural and Regional Development Mohd Shafie Apdal and Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein — had announced earlier that they would be defending their posts as a team.

Mr Mukhriz, 48, made his announcement at a packed press conference in Alor Setar yesterday, ending week-long speculations in the media.

The son of Malaysia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said he made the decision to contest after considering the advice he had received from various quarters, including from UMNO state leaders.

Mr Mukhriz was appointed as Kedah Mentri Besar after winning the Ayer Hitam state assembly seat in the May general election.

Two other UMNO veterans — former Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar Mohd Isa Abdul Samad and Malacca’s former Mentri Besar Mohd Ali Rustam — have also indicated they would be contesting in the race for the three slots.

The Malaysian Insider understands that Dr Mahathir has given his blessings for his son’s bid, widely regarded as a stepping stone to get to the party’s top leadership.

Earlier this week, Dr Mahathir had emphasised the need for party renewal, urging the top ranks to make way for new blood in what was seen as a call to party veterans to allow Mr Mukhriz and those his age to move up.

According to party sources, Mr Najib, who is also the UMNO President, had advised Mr Mukhriz against vying for the post. Mr Najib is seeking for the current slate of UMNO Vice-Presidents to be returned at the October party polls to solidify his mandate following the May general election where his Barisan Nasional coalition saw its worst electoral performance.

Although UMNO gained nine more federal seats, the coalition only won 133 seats, down seven from the previous election.

Mr Mukhriz is seen as someone likely to preserve the conservative face of UMNO that has long been championed by his father, further ensuring that Dr Mahathir’s influential role in the party would continue.

It is understood that if Mr Mukhriz wins one of the Vice-President spots, there is a chance that he could be party Deputy President, and even Deputy Prime Minister by the next general election, which must be held by 2018.

Yesterday, both Mr Najib and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that they will defend their party posts as UMNO President and Deputy President respectively.

“Based on feedback and views from all levels in the party, I humbly accept and am offering myself to defend the presidency,” Mr Najib said.

There are no challengers expected against both of them, with most UMNO leaders believing both should remain at the helm.

Official nominations are set to begin tomorrow. The elections will be held on Oct 19, while its party assembly will be held in December. Agencies