umno divisional politics

Only one nomination for Ibrahim

By Zarinah Daud
BUTTERWORTH: Former Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Ibrahim Saad has become Penang's first casualty in next month's Umno divisional election when he received only one nomination for the Bukit Mertajam Umno division chairman's post.

The incumbent division chief is automatically out of the race because a contender must receive at least 20% of nominations from all the branches in a division.

Dr Ibrahim, the former Penang deputy chief minister, obtained the sole nomination from his Taman Bukit branch while his contender, Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir, received 39 nominations.

A Bukit Mertajam Umno division spokesman said only one of the 41 branches in the division, Taman Jambu, had yet to hold its annual general meeting.

"Musa, who is incumbent deputy chief, has won unopposed and he will be declared the new chairman at the division's annual general meeting on April 15,'' he said.

Dr Ibrahim is now in Doha, Qatar, acting as the Malaysian football team manager for the World Cup qualifying round.

In the Permatang Pauh Umno division, Seberang Jaya assemblyman Dr Radin Muhd Amin Radin Munir is withdrawing from contesting the chairman's post "to protect the division from falling apart.''

He said he made the decision last week despite receiving 12 nominations.

"I am withdrawing so that there will be a straight fight between Datuk Adnan Ramli and acting chairman Datuk Ahmad Saad,'' he said.

The Permatang Pauh Umno division was once headed by sacked deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Party unity conspicuosly prevalent

By Hamdan Raja Abdullah

ONE reason for the relative peace in Johor Umno is that most party members, including those with leadership potential, decline to challenge incumbent divisional leaders to avoid a split within the divisions.

Those who spoke about going for broke in their divisions have backed off or decided to go for lesser positions after national-level leaders called for unity within Umno recently.

Those asked to step down to give way to new faces in their divisions have accepted their fate in silence.

Their sacrifices have helped 12 division chiefs, out of 20 in Johor, to be returned unopposed.

They are Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman in Ledang, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh), Dr Latif Ahmad (Mersing), Datuk Shahrir Samad (Johor Baru), Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat (Pulai), Adam Hamid (Senai), Othman Jais (Segamat), Gapar Gurrohu (Kluang), Datuk Mohamed Aziz (Seri Gading), Datuk Zainalabidin Zin (Batu Pahat), Datuk Ali Hassan (Tebrau) and Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar (Kota Tinggi).

Five divisions--Johor Baru, Mersing, Pagoh, Ledang and Seri Gading--also see no contest for the number two post.

Pagoh division committee adopted a decision to replace incumbent deputy chief Ahmad Omar, with Bukit Serampang assemblyman Tahir Taat and its Wanita chief, Datuk Sabariah Ahmad, was replaced with her deputy, Noriah Mahat, in move described by many as a transition to strengthen the party.

At the same time, the committee also endorsed state housing committee chairman Samat Aripin to retain his vice-chairman post.

Muhyiddin who is party vice-president met all branch leaders to get their assurance that Tahir and Samat were not challenged.

Although the move angered many of Ahmad's supporters who felt he could still serve the party, they dared not protest the decision openly.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein who is Tenggara division chief awaits whether his potential challenger Asmaon Ismail will receive enough nominations for a contest.

Asmaon who is former Tenggara Umno division chief has to date received three nominations while Hishammuddin garnered 26.

A division committee member said it would not be easy for Asmaon to get the 17 nominations required to contest as the remaining branches would not want to be seen supporting Asmaon with Hishammuddin garnering so many nominations.

The Pulai Umno division elections this time might just see a father and son team leading the division which has 79 branches.

The division is headed by Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat who has received 33 nominations so far while his son, Datuk Nur Jazlan has received the highest nomination for the deputy post with 22 nominations.

Mohamed's contender Muntana Abdullah received two nominations so far.

For the deputy post, incumbent Datuk Kadir Annuar who received 10 nominations might give way to Nur Jazlan.

In Labis, division chief and also Tenang assemblyman Ibrahim Daud is in a neck-and-neck race against his deputy Sulaiman Taha.

To date Ibrahim has received 24 nominations and Sulaiman received 23. Ibrahim admitted that it would be a tough fight and campaigns have been intense.

In Pontian, contest for the number one post is "open'' as incumbent chief Datuk Ahmad Abdullah announced his retirement early this month and state Umno chief Abdul Ghani had appointed deputy division chief Abdul Malik Ibrahim as acting chief.

Malik who is Pulai Sebatang assemblyman, however, is expected to face former division youth chief Hasni Mohammed who has so far received 50 nominations. Malik garnered 31 nominations so far.

In Sungai Benut, incumbent division chief and Sungai Benut MP Hamid Abdul Rahman, faces his former Youth chief Jamil Amin who had received 14 nominations while another contender Zahid Sirat, 10 nominations.

Gelang Patah also sees some fight for the top post and incumbent chief Baharom Abdul Ghani, who is also Tanjung Kupang assemblyman, is expected to be challenged by his deputy, Ibrahim Atan.

Baharom is leading with 43 nominations from 69 branches in the division and Ibrahim received 17 to date. In the last divisional election, Baharom won by only a four-vote majority.

In Parit Sulong, the top post is up for grabs between state youth and sports exco Ahmad Zahri Jamil and MP Datuk Ruhanie Ahmad as division chief Tan Sri Ridzuan Salim had announced his retirement recently.

The division has a total of 149 branches and out of 84 which have concluded their meetings, 68 nominated Ahmad Zahri while Ruhanie received 16 and needed 14 more to qualify for contest.

In Bakri, incumbent division chief Datuk Mazlan Abu faces Dr Haris Salleh and campaigns were so intense that some branches aligned to Mazlan held their meetings at Mazlan's house.

This has angered Dr Haris' supporters who lodged complaints to Umno president, deputy president and the three vice-presidents asking them to look into the matter.

The division, which has 88 branches, has to date given Mazlan 35 nominations and Dr Haris 18.

In Muar, division chief and former Parit Bakar assemblyman Malik Munip, is being challenged by KFC Holdings deputy executive chairman Datuk Abdullah Omar who has garnered 46.

Abdullah, who recently donated some 57 computer sets to rural clubs on behalf of his company, has been accused of using the company to gain favours from Umno branch leaders.

However, Abdullah countered back by saying the computers were part of KFC Holdings' social programme to beef up IT knowledge in the rural areas and Muar was among several other areas which were picked to receive the sets.

With many complaints, including money politics, in the division, Umno supreme council has to send down secretary-general Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob to check things out.

Although Khalil had said the visit was a random one to monitor the true picture of the divisional elections in Johor, many linked the visit with complaints sent to the party headquarters.

A Muar division committee member said Umno leaders must check every complaint and take immediate action to solve them as delays could frustrate the members and cause them to lose interest in the party.

Election fever intensifies in Kedah

By Che Embun Majid and Shahriza Embi
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA, Tues: The heat is on in Kedah for the upcoming Umno divisional elections, with many deputy division heads aiming for the highest rung on the ladder. Contest is inevitable for most divisional posts as well as in the Youth wing. The waters are calmer in the Wanita camp as fewer aspirants are actually coming out to challenge the incumbents.

Twelve divisions will see contests for the top post. They are Alor Star, Baling, Jerlun, Langkawi, Merbok, Padang Serai, Padang Terap, Pendang, Pokok Sena, Sik, Sungai Petani and Yan. A no-contest stance has been taken by three divisions, with two wanting to retain their division leaders and another to make way for the mentri besar.

Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be returned unopposed as Kubang Pasu division head, and Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir will retain his top post in Kulim-Bandar Bahru. Kuala Kedah division head Datuk Zakaria Said is expected to vacate his seat to make way for Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Syed Razak Syed Zain.

Zakaria will go for the number two post against three other aspirants.

In Kubang Pasu, the incumbent deputy division head, former mentri besar Tan Sri Osman Aroff, will face former political secretary to the prime minister Datuk Saad Man. Meanwhile, the sunny facade in the Kulim-Bandar Bahru division is shrouded by dark clouds as internal feud is said to worsen the already existing crack in the division.

Sources say the division's Youth head, Azimi Daim, made an eleventh-hour decision last week to take on incumbent Hussain Abdul Rahman for the deputy division head post. However, the battle is expected to be to Azimi's advantage because of his good track record in the division. Azimi, who is also a party supreme council member, will, at the same time, defend his division Youth head's post against newcomer Jasni Desa.

In Alor Star, division head Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah is facing a challenge from his deputy, Dr Fauzi Abdul Hamid, who is also in the running for the number two post. Baling division head Datuk Raja Ariffin Raja Sulaiman is said to be facing stiff competition from Datuk Zainol Md Isa, who is giving up his post as deputy to concentrate on this contest.

A three-corner fight will transpire in Jerlun as incumbent Datuk Hanafi Ramli is expected to face his deputy Abdul Rahman Ariffin and division vice-head Abu Hassan Shariff. Abdul Rahman and Abu Hassan are both going for the deputy's post. They will be challenged by Abu Hassan Hashim.

In Padang Serai, deputy division head Yusuf Harun will give up his post to contest against incumbent Mohd Hadzir Ismail for the top post.

The Sungai Petani division will also see a three-way tussle. Incumbent Ibrahim Mustaffa will be taken on by his deputy Mat Akhair Shafie and Sungai Petani MP Datuk Mahadzir Khir.

In Pendang, incumbent Datuk Othman Abdul is expected to face the division vice-head Md Rozai Shafian. Rozai is said to be on an all out effort by also running for deputy as well as defending his current post. Youth wing leaders are also expected to join in the fray for the top post in at least two divisions.

In Merbok, Youth head Mokhzani Mahathir is giving up his post to take on division head Datuk Arzmi Hamid. Meanwhile, Kedah state assembly speaker Datuk Badruddin Amiruldin will face stiff challenge in a three-way tussle expected in the Yan division.

Badruddin, the current division head, will face division Youth head Datuk Suhaimi Abdullah, who had exceeded the age limit for the Youth movement, and newcomer Radzi Abdul Rahman. In Sik, religious adviser to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Hamid Othman is said to be facing a challenge from Dr Wan Azmi Wan Ariffin, who is also nominated for the deputy and vice-head posts.

However, sources say Wan Azmi is likely to win in the contest against the incumbent, as Abdul Hamid has yet to receive any nomination for the post. In Langkawi, incumbent and MP for the area Datuk Abu Bakar Taib will be challenged by former division secretary Fadzil Talib.

In Pokok Sena, state exco member Fadzil Hanafi will take on incumbent Ahmad Lebai Sudin. Another three-way tussle is expected in Padang Terap as incumbent Datuk Dr Afifuddin Omar will be challenged by state exco member Datuk Ghazali Ibrahim and Datuk Syed Sobri Syed Hashim, who is trying to make a comeback.

Talks are circulating among state Umno members that money is being used to fish for nominations and votes.Insiders say money usage is rampant especially among aspiring newcomers who have yet to have a track record.

Meanwhile, in Perlis, two of the three divisions will not see any contest as Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim remains as Arau division head while Rural Development Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid retains his post in Padang Besar.

However, a three-corner fight is expected in the Kangar division following the resignation of Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh, who wanted to give way to younger leaders.

Supporters gear up for elections

By P. Vijian
vijian@thesundaily

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno's strict code of ethics has so far managed to keep the campaigning for the party's upcoming divisional elections muted.

But party workers have swung into action and wasted no time in canvassing and mobilising support.

In the Federal Territory (FT) of Kuala Lumpur, grassroots supporters are quietly gearing up for their chosen candidates.

In high-density urban divisions like Wangsa Maju, Lembah Pantai and Bandar Tun Razak, some competition is expected for the post of division chief, according to Umno leaders.

A division leader is a pivotal post in the party hierarchy, paving the way for higher political appointments within Umno and the government.

In the past, contests for divisional posts created controversy, as aspiring candidates adopted underhand tactics to win support.

Intense politicking, leading to stubborn internal rivalries and money politics, was widely reported during elections, which are conducted every two years. It appears to be calm in Kuala Lumpur, at least so far.

Branch meetings to nominate candidates, which have to be completed this month, have been done without serious dispute. But the tempo may change as the deadline - the divisional elections will be held next month - gets closer, observers predict.

Four divisions are likely to witness a contest - Bukit Bintang, Lembah Pantai, Segambut and Batu.

"The incumbents will be challenged and these will be straight fights. They are all friendly contests and there is not much trouble," says Umno FT liaison chief Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

The post vacated by Datuk Dr Kamal Salleh in Wangsa Maju could be an interesting contest, which is likely to take place between Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique, the present member of parliament, and Datuk Astamam Abdul Aziz.

Both contestants are modest in rating their chances. Zulhasnan says it will be a "normal" contest.

"The post is vacant and I have offered myself to contest. As a wakil rakyat (MP), it will be an advantage for Umno."

On the other hand, Astamam is ambitious and thinks it will be a fair fight too.

"I will leave it to the delegates to choose the right candidate for the benefit of Wangsa Maju. We hope for a new phase of self-realisation and unity," he says.

Wangsa Maju's electorate has reached nearly 100,000 and is considered one of the largest in the FT. Besides pockets of squatters, it contains a large middle class population.

Expanding townships continue to attract more people. The divisional leader is crucial at this point for Umno, as he has to strengthen the party for the coming general election, which is expected in 2004.

In the last election, the Barisan Nasional won by a 5,000-vote margin compared to 27,000 votes in 1995, a sign that the party's support has eroded in the stronghold.

"Umno has a lot of internal work to do. The party should restructure itself before it faces the next general election. We must attend to the needs of the people and the party," says Astamam.

Umno observers feel that the growing electorate needs more capable leaders to serve the people - an MP to represent them at the government level and a divisional leader who can take care of the grassroots members.

"We need two leaders. One to represent Umno and another for Wangsa Maju. It is difficult for the same person to handle the growing number of voters," says a party worker.

In Titiwangsa, Seputeh and Kepong, no contest is expected for the divisional leadership.

Stalwart Datuk Suleiman Mohamed, MP and deputy health minister, is unlikely to be challenged in Titiwangsa. About 40% of some 100 branches in the division have given their backing for Suleiman, says a youth leader from the area.

"So far there is no sign of any contest. Members have agreed not to challenge the division head, the deputy and the vice-chief. Even the Wanita chief's position is comfortable."

Umno banned all public gatherings during the divisional elections, in order to prevent any untoward incidents. In February, the party introduced a code of ethics to prevent aggressive political campaigns and curb money politics, a nagging problem in Umno.

It even stopped party members from using the print and electronic media - including the Internet - for campaign purposes. But this is not stopping the politicians, who continue to influence members by circumventing the party's rules.

"Informal meetings are taking place in coffeeshops and candidates organise kenduri (religious feasts). Some even entertain supporters at hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Nobody can stop them from doing this," says an Umno veteran.

The only way to garner support is by meeting people in small groups or individually, because public gatherings are prohibited.

"We start our campaign rounds in the late evenings and finish in the early hours of the morning. I sleep all day and continue the next evening. Often we meet the residents in tea stalls," says a middle-aged party worker from Wangsa Maju.

According to Tengku Adnan, more members have begun to attend meetings lately, because they feel Umno can continue to protect their rights and welfare.

"It is amazing. There is an upsurge in members attending meetings in FT, at least 60% attendance. They realise that Umno means business.

"There are not only housing problems in the city, there are social and economic difficulties. People always speak of rural poverty but urban poverty is worse," he adds.

The divisions' new leadership and strategies to tackle social ills, employment and housing problems have helped the party lure the Malay voters, says Adnan.

The mood appears to be placid at present, but observers are not ruling out some last minute surprises.

Isa named puppeteer in divisional elections

By Claudia Theophilus
claudia@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR, Fri: All seven Umno divisions in Negri Sembilan seem to be heading for contests for all top three posts, with word out that the mentri besar, who is also state Umno chairman, Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, playing the role of puppeteer.

Whether this is true or not, Isa's name as puppeteer always resurfaces whenever the state faces election at branch and divisional levels. Except for the Teluk Kemang Umno division head post held by Isa, all six divisions will see the top three posts, including Youth chief, being contested, and sparks will fly at some of these meetings.

Teluk Kemang, which has 66 branches, seems to be generating some heat. Isa's number two, Firdaus Harun, is expected to be challenged by Abdul Hamid Omar of Kundor Tengah, who has only one nomination so far., Abdul Hamid was once an ally of Isa but the relationship between them has turned sour in the past few years.

Firdaus has received 22 nominations from the 23 branches which have already concluded their meetings. The tussle for the division's Youth chief post is expected to be a three-cornered fight between incumbent Shahrul Akram Osman, Kundor Hilir branch's Rosman Junid and Zubir Jamal, who is the movement's permanent chairman. However, a party source said there is likely to be some kind of compromise to avoid a split before nomination closes at the end of March.

Although a three-cornered fight is possible in the Jelebu Umno division between Datuk Dr Rais Yatim, Datuk Shamsul Bahari Mat and Pertang assemblyman Razak Mansor, sources say this is unlikely to happen. Shamsul was the division chief in 1998, prior to former MP Yunus Rahmat, who made way for Rais to contest in the mid-April divisional election.

Yunus, who is Rais' political secretary, has already qualified to contest for the number two post, with seven nominations. Rais, a minister in the Prime Minister's Department, has already qualified to contest for the post of division chief. With more than half the required nominations secured, Rais now only needs to hope that none of his potential challengers will meet the criterion, paving the way for him to win unopposed.

There are 49 branches in the Jelebu division. A party source said Isa may field a proxy to challenge Rais as he is worried over the possibility of Rais reassuming power in the state. Talk is rife that Rais will be appointed the state Umno chief, or at least a committee member, if he wins the divisional election.

The Seremban division chief, Datuk Ishak Ismail, is rumoured to face one of the mentri besar's men, Zakaria Nordin, the assemblyman for Ampangan who is also a state executive councillor. The source said that Isa is putting his men against incumbents for the top two posts in almost every division, for fear of losing power. "Isa has already been there for almost 19 years and is the longest-serving head of a state government after Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud," he said.

The division's Youth chief, Othman Mohammad, is said to be vying for the number two post, which means a challenge against incumbent Mohd Pilus Yunus. In Kuala Pilah, division chief Datuk Abu Zahar Nika Ujang may face a challenge from Jemapoh assemblyman Hasan Malek and Senaling assemblyman Ismail Lassim.

It may well end up as a four-cornered fight, if former Sri Menanti assemblyman Hashimuddin Abdul Kadir enters the fray. Hashimuddin is the current number two while Hasan is the vice-head and Ismail the Youth chief. Talk in the Jempol division is that incumbent division chief Datuk Lilah Yasin may face a challenge from Datuk Khalid Yunus, the deputy information minister.

As for the Tampin division, the number two post seems to be a popular one with some nominations submitted for Youth chief Shaziman Abu Mansor, who is expected to challenge the incumbent, Datuk Mohamad Yassin Bakar. Shaziman is the Member of Parliament for Tampin. In Rasah, a tag team comprising the division's deputy chief Mohd Shahlan Shaid and vice-chief Abdul Wahab Mohd Hanipah taking on Datuk Mohd Hasan for the top post.

Lining up for Terengganu contests
By Rosli Zakaria rosliz@nstp.com.my

"PETEH Keting" may sound unfamiliar to some people but it literally means "bring your opponents down".

In Terengganu, it is a familiar battle cry each time there is an event where a winner is required, be it in sports or politics.

As the date for the Umno divisional elections draws near, peteh keting has re-surfaced again - only this time with more intensity.

But on the the surface the intensity of the campaigns is subdued. It is well camouflaged by a show of camaraderie but the writings are on the wall that contests for some top posts cannot be avoided.

Of the eight divisions in Terengganu, contests for the top division posts are likely in Setiu, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Dungun and Kemaman. Only in Kuala Nerus, Hulu Terengganu and Besut divisions can compromises be expected.

The pawns in the power struggle have stirred attention among voting members, at least on the importance of the divisional party elections which will allow them to choose new office bearers.

In the Kemaman and Kuala Terengganu divisions, the contest for seats for the respective division chief posts is wide open as former State Umno liaison chief Tan Sri Wan Mokhtar Ahmad has vacated his seat in Kemaman after his appointment as ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Following Wan Mokhtar's footstep is Kuala Terengganu division chief Datuk Abu Bakar Daud who is now the ambassador to Egypt.

Between the two divisions, a compromise is expected in Kemaman between acting division chief Datuk Abu Bakar Ali, who is also the deputy division chief, and former Kijal State Assemblyman Ahmad Said, who is the division vice-chief.

A close aide to the former Menteri Besar said Wan Mokhtar had provided a formula to ensure unity among Umno leaders in the division - that is to avoid contest for the top positions.

How far this advice and formula will work in Kemaman is left to be seen.

If based on seniority, Abu Bakar, who is Kemasik State Assemblyman, should be the logical choice, but sources said Ahmad, a firebrand who is Wan Mokhtar's anak didik, is also eyeing the top post.

The vacancy left by Abu Bakar (Daud) in Kuala Terengganu has created some anxiety among senior members who have waited a long time for a chance like this to gauge their popularity.

An observer said Umno members in the Kuala Terengganu division are a "smart and intelligent lot" who like to test their popularity first to see if they stand a good chance of winning a contest.

But if they feel insecure, they would retreat and join the rakit (raft) of the candidate who stands a better chance of winning. They could win some favours this way.

Among those said to be eyeing for the top post are vice-division chief Datuk Wan Farid Wan Salleh, Wan Hisham Mohd Noor, a businessman, and incumbent deputy division chief Roslan Awang Chik.

But as the branch meetings progress, the signs showed that Roslan would take over the helm and Wan Farid would take the deputy posts. Contest for the vice-chief post is likely to be between Wan Hisham and Latiff Mohamad, the division secretary.

In Setiu, incumbent division chief Datuk Dr Tengku Mahmud Mansor is expected to be challenged for the post he has held for more than 15 years.

Earlier, three names were bandied around. First, Datuk Mamat Ghazalee Abdul Rahman, former Langkap State Assemblyman; and Suhaimi Che Hussain, former Press secretary to Datuk Dr Yusof Nor when he was the Public Enterprise Minister; and, Datuk Dr Abdul Wahab Ngah, a former State Exco member.

However, Mamat Ghazalee has since pulled out of the race citing health reasons, while Suhaimi has compromised to contest for the vice-president post. This leaves a straight fight for top division post between Tengku Mahmud and Abdul Wahab.

The final decision on whether the contest would materialise would depend on the nominations from the branches in the division, where some of those who have held their meetings favoured Tengku Mahmud.

The division's deputy post is expected to be filled by former Permaisuri State Assemblyman Mohd Jidin Shafie.

In Marang, incumbent chief Datuk Muda Mamat is expected to be challenged by division's vice chief Datuk Abdul rahman Bakar, while former Bukit Payung State Assemblyman and the division's incumbent deputy Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Awang is not expected to be challenged.

Earlier, a compromise was said to have been reached where Muda decided not to defend the post and the vacant position be filled by Abdul Rahman. But a twist of events changed the compromise.

For the Dungun division, incumbent Datuk Syed Omar Muhamad is expected to give way to Senator Rosli Mat Hassan and former Bukit Besi State Assemblyman Datuk Awang Jabar is expected to be nominated for the division's deputy post.

Contest is likely for the vice-division posts left vacant by Wan Mokhtaruddin Wan Yusof.

A switch of positions for the top post in Besut is expected. Observers said incumbent Yusof will swap his leadership in the division with Datuk Idris Jusoh, who is State Umno deputy liaison chief and the division's vice chief.

At least, the Besut division is setting an example to the rest. Yusof would have the credibility to fill the deputy post held by Datuk Wan Zakaria Abdul Rahman, but compromised for the third top important post in the division instead.

In Hulu Terengganu, a compromise has been reached to prevent cracks in the rank-and-file in the division, following the strong support for the return of former State Exco member Datuk Ahmad Sidi Ismail.

If the compromise holds true the division will continue to be led by Telemong State Assemblyman Tengku Putera Tengku Awang. The deputy chief post will be held by Datuk Ahmad Sidi Ismail and the vice-chief post by Ajil State Assemblyman Rosol Wahid.

In Kuala Nerus, incumbent Datuk Abdul Rashid Ngah is expected to retain his position but contest for the deputy post is expected between Nasir Ibrahim and Rahin Said.

The outcome of these jostlings for top divisional posts will only be known at the end of April.

Observers feel any change in the line-up of office bearers would affect the composition of the state Umno liaison committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

As it is, the liaison committee needs a strong and united team to face the Pas onslaught in the state.

At the moment, Pas is undeniably more dynamic in its approach to win support from the people and is winning the debates on various issues, because Umno has failed to counter them convincingly.

Now that the date of divisional elections is near, Umno members will again be focusing on party matters and have little time to shake off the Pas stranglehold on Terengganu.

Let's hope the spirit of peteh keting is not misplaced as in the last general election, where instead of bringing down the Opposition, Umno members chose to bring down their own men.

Keen contest for 10 division heads posts in Selangor

By R. Manirajan and Nurazlina Ismail
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ten of the 17 Umno divisions in Selangor are expected to see keen contests in next month's elections. The much-watched division is Hulu Langat, where incumbent and Selangor Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad is expected to face committee member Ahmad Kuris Mohd Nor.

The division is split into two factions. The opponents had protested strongly when Zainal Abidin was tipped to be appointed Mentri Besar, after the sudden resignation of Datuk Seri Abu Hassan Omar.

The issue became so serious that Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad had to summon Ahmad Kuris and several of the committee members who had put up protest posters in the constituency.

Another division to see a keen fight is Selayang. Its head, Datuk Saidin Thamby, will not be contesting due to an on-going corruption case in court against him. There is no clear indication of the personalities who will contest.

In Kuala Selangor, Abu Hassan has expressed intention not to defend his post as division head. Here, a two-cornered fight between is expected between vice-head Jahaya Ibrahim and a former Youth chief.

In the Klang division, incumbent Datuk Zakaria Md Derus is expected to face a challenge but until today, the candidate is lying low. In the PJ Utara division, sources say incumbent head Datuk Ghazi Ramli is expected to step down for personal reasons. A tough fight is expected between two factions.

The same is expected in the Hulu Selangor division headed by Datuk Mohd Idris Abu Bakar. Sources say the division's deputy chief, Datuk Zainal Abidin Sakom, has expressed his intention to contest for the top post.

The Gombak division incumbent, Datin Paduka Zaleha Ismail, is expected to be challenged by her deputy, Datuk Fuad Hassan. Several other division heads have also expressed their intention to make way for younger candidates.

Sabak Bernam division head Datuk Mahbud Hashim is expected to make way for Datuk Raja Ideris Raja Ahmad while Datuk Zainal Dahalan is expected to go for the deputy head's post.

In Tanjung Karang, incumbent Datuk Aini Taib is stepping down in favour of Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.

In Kapar, its chief Datuk Onn Ismail is expected to give way to his deputy, Datuk Rahman Palil, while incumbent vice-head Datuk Jaei Ismail will go for the deputy's post.

In Subang, there was talk that a committee member. will take on the head, Datuk Mokhtar Dahalan. According to sources, the member has been asked to withdraw and Mokhtar is not expected to face any challenge - as of now. However, no one can be sure whether the compromise will work.

For the Shah Alam division, incumbent head Datuk Salamon Selamat is expected to face a challenge from his deputy, Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed, who is the MP for Shah Alam.

The divisions which are not likely to see any contest are Serdang headed by Mohd Satim Diman, Sepang headed by Datuk Mohd Shariff Jajang, Kuala Langat headed by Datuk Fatah Iskandar, PJ Selatan headed by Datuk Zahar Hashim and the Ampang Jaya division headed by Datuk Mufti Shuib.

A bigger UMNO disciplinary board to hear cases
KUALA LUMPUR March 24 - The UMNO Disciplinary Board will be expanded to at least 12 members from its current nine to hear cases of alleged misconduct by party members, including money politics.

Its chairman Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen said the hearings would begin after the draft guidelines on their conduct were approved by the UMNO Supreme Council, which is expected to meet on March 31.

"The Disciplinary Board needs to have more members because we may hold three or four hearings a day," he told reporters after chairing its meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre here today.

Tengku Rithauddeen did not elaborate on the draft regulations or the names of those proposed to join the panel.

He said the board had received many complaints on breaches of discipline, including those connected to the ongoing branch meetings.

Tengku Rithauddeen said only complaints backed by strong evidence would be heard by the board.

He gave an assurance that the board would discharge its duties with dedication in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

This includes not allowing people with a vested interest to sit on the board and giving a chance to those implicated to make their defence.

"If we want to eradicate money politics for the sake of UMNO and the country, I feel it is very necessary for UMNO members themselves to give evidence to us so that we can discharge our duties well," he said.

Tengku Rithauddeen said the board had set up a secretariat, headed by an UMNO official Abu Khamis, to facilitate its work.

The board, whose formation was approved by the UMNO special general assembly last Nov 18, will hear complaints against UMNO members and recommend the disciplinary action to be taken.

New Umno ethics code aimed at foiling money politics

By P. Vijian
vijian@thesundaily.com

Issues confronting Umno and its members continue to grab the attention of both the Malay dailies. Berita Harian reported that Umno would enforce its new code of ethics to prevent the spread of money politics in the forthcoming branch and divisional elections.

The code prohibits members from becoming agents, lobbyists or campaign managers and also bars them from appealing for votes on behalf of any candidates.

Umno's executive secretary Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, said that the party's earlier code of ethics did not clearly outline the regulations and only emphasised vote-buying.

However, in the new set of rules, the word "calon" (candidate) has been changed to "members", so that every one involved in the election process will be made liable. The new regulations approved by the party are similar to the rules published in 1994, except that it is an offence for a member to give, receive or ask for money, said Tengku Adnan.

He also said the new rules, which would be amended by the supreme council from time to time, was not limited to branches and divisional elections, but also applicable at national level.

In addition, Umno announced that it prohibited the misuse of the mass media, especially the Internet, to promote or criticise any member. But there were mixed reactions to this from several Umno divisional leaders.

Some believed there was no need to use the media, because people in the area would already be well informed about the selected candidate and his leadership qualities.

But others argued that candidates should be allowed to introduce themselves via the Internet, for example, by uploading their biodata.

Leaders also pointed out that in the technology era, it was hard to curb the dissemination of information and there should be some leeway.

In Utusan Malaysia, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the existing system within the party was sufficient to curb money politics and there was no need for the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to intervene. The establishment of a disciplinary board, he added, should enable the party to prevent any misconduct.

He was responding to Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's statement that the ACA should investigate if there was evidence of money politics during branch or divisional elections. According to Najib, the ACA should only intervene if there was a serious case of corruption or misappropriation of funds in the government.

The paper also mentioned that Najib urged Umno Youth members to shed its elite image and identify more closely with rural people, especially the youths. The youth wing, he added, should project a strong commitment and work ethic to prove that Umno is a party that struggled for ordinary Malays.

He was responding to the youth wing's chief Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein, who said members must close ranks with the new generation.

It was reported that several executive committee (exco) members of Umno Youth did not attend a special programme called Pemuda Masuk Kampung (Youth Goes to Villages), which was organised by the party in Kampung Baru, Kuala Abang, in Terengganu recently.

Only 12 out of the 29 exco members including Hishammuddin attended the four-day programme and stayed with their adopted families. Hishammuddin said those who failed to attend must submit a written explanation.

Aspirants in Umno division elections hot on campaign trail

By Zainal Epi
zainal@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: As the rainy season gives way to a spell of hot weather, the political temperature in Umno too is beginning to climb. The race is on now for all 165 Umno divisions, which will go to the polls next month. Already at branch level, aspirants are campaigning to get the required number of nominations to qualify to contest in the division election.

Election hopefuls need 15% of nominations from the division's branches to contest the division chief's post, 10% for deputy division chief and 5% for other posts in the division. Contestants say they do not foresee the contest causing a split in the party as their aim is to bring a breath of "fresh air" into the party.

They say that contests will rid the party of "leaders who have lost the support of the masses, as reflected in the 1999 general election". They said that in the general election, some of the division chiefs, who are now either MPs or state assemblymen, did not get the expected number of votes.

However, some party leaders claim that contests in certain divisions are aimed at ridding the party of former Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's men. In this scenario, many division heads are now facing challenges either directly from their "political foes" or proxies placed by those who want them out. In Perak, trouble is brewing in the Grik Umno division where its deputy chief, Mokhtaruddin Mohd Kaya, is thinking of resigning following a challenge by Perak Mentri Besar's political secretary Hasbullah Osman.

Frustrated that the division chief, who is Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Diraja Tajol Rosli himself, is unable to work out a compromise, division members said Mokhtaruddin may even quit his post as the state assemblyman for Temengor. Tajol, who is the state Umno liaison chief, had warned members that contests would be disruptive and that he would not recommend aspirants to be candidates for the next general election if they took on division incumbents.

However, the division members said Tajol himself failed to discipline his political secretary who has already gained 19 nominations from the 19 branches which have held their annual general meetings (AGM). Mokhtaruddin, the incumbent, has so far polled none from the division, which has 76 branches.

Another interesting development in the division is that its vice-chairman, Ibrahim Hanafiah, who is also the state assemblyman for Pengkalan Hulu, is being challenged by the division treasurer, Roslan Latiff, who was appointed by Tajol.
In Pasir Salak, former Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Megat Junid Megat Ayub has been speculated to take on incumbent division chief Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib.

Keen contest is expected in many divisions in the April division elections despite calls from the party leadership to avoid contests that are pitched as attempts to regain the people's confidence in the party. Several Umno members said the contests at division level are aimed at projecting a rejuvenated image of the party through the promotion of new faces who are more popular with the masses.

They said aspirants are not in any way going against the leadership's advice against contesting, but are "helping the leadership to get rid of leaders who have lost support". Auzir Yaakub, who is contesting for the Tanjong Malim division head's post, said the incumbent no longer enjoys support from the masses as reflected in the last general election.

"I am not contesting for the sake of contesting but to rid the division of a person who still wants to hang on to power although it is clear that the person no longer has the support of the masses," he said. The division chief, Datuk Seri Junus Wahid, state assemblyman for Slim, is seen to have lost ground.

In Malacca, the talk is that former Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik is attempting to unseat incumbent Kota Melaka division head Datuk Amid Nordin, who is also the state assembly speaker. Jasin division chief Abu Zahar Isnin, who is the parliamentary secretary to the home ministry, is expected to face a challenge from the division's deputy chief Datuk Capt (R) Ahmad Hamzah.

The state assemblyman for Serkam, Ahmad is said to have the support of the division members for his bid, although the state liaison chief Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam, who is also Chief Minister, prefers no contests in the division. Word has it that Mohd Ali wants Abu Zahar to remain as the division chief.

Negri Sembilan seems to be headed for fireworks in next month's division elections when members will see a tussle between Mentri Besar Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad and several division chiefs. They said it is for this reason that Isa, in his own Teluk Kemang division, will see his deputy division chief, Firdaus Harun, being challenged by his former ally Abdul Hamid Omar.

The Seremban division chief, Datuk Ishak Ismail, will face a challenge, purportedly from Isa's man, Zakaria Nordin, who is also the state assemblyman for Ampangan. Members said the "bad blood" between Isa and Ishak has been a long-standing irritant in the party's state set-up and Isa has yet to succeed in unseating the incumbent or reducing his influence in the division.

The Kuala Pilah division will also see another tussle between incumbent division chief Datuk Abu Zahar Ujang and an Isa man. Members said either state assemblyman for Jemapoh, Hassan Malek or state assemblyman for Senaling, Ismail Lassim is expected to be fielded against Abu Zahar. "The tussle could possibly be a three-cornered fight, considering Abu Zahar's influence in the division," a division member said.

In Kelantan, only two divisions are free of contests: Gua Musang, which is headed by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, and Jeli, headed by adviser to the finance ministry Datuk Mustapa Mohamed. All other divisions are expected to see contests, which members from the state described as a "changing of the guard" aimed at restoring the party's tarnished image in the state.

As for Johor, the Tenggara Umno division head, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein, is expected to face contest. Hishammuddin, who is also Umno Youth chief, is expected to be challenged by Asmaon Ismail, who is the former political secretary to Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin.

Several Umno divisions in Johor to see contests

By Ahmad 'Asri Khalbi and Claudia Theophilus
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Several of Johor's 20 Umno divisions may see some action once nominations close at the end of March and divisional elections begin on April.

One of the closely-watched divisions is Tenggara with a contest being likely for the division chief's post held by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishamuddin Hussein.

Hishamuddin, who is Umno Youth head, is likely to face former Panti assemblyman Asmaon Ismail, a former political secretary to vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin.

In Pulai, it is said that many aspire to head the division since the incumbent, former Information Minister Datuk Mohamed Rahmat, is expected to give way to younger leader.

Deputy chief Datuk Abdul Kadir Annuar, who is the MP for Pulai, is also being speculated to be stepping down owing to the same reason.

Among the favourites to be elected are current vice-head Osman Sapian and division committee member Nor Jazlan Mohamed.

No changes are expected for the two top posts in Johor Baru division and feedback from members is that both leaders, division head Datuk Shahrir Samad and deputy head Mohamed Khaled Nordin, are performing well.

It is also speculated that Tanjung Puteri assemblyman Mohamed Kasbi and youth chief Mohd Abdul Latif, whose term is expiring, are aiming for the division vice-chairman post.

In the Tebrau division, incumbent youth head and Tiram state assemblyman Mohamad Dolmat, whose term in the youth wing is expiring, is a potential contender for either the deputy or vice-chairman's post.

Incumbent division head Datuk Mohd Ali, who is also MP for Tebrau, will most likely be re-elected for another term.
As for Pontian, incumbent youth head Hasni Mohammad is the favourite to contest the division head's post.

Gelang Patah division incumbent head Baharom Abdul Ghani is expected to face a challenge from his deputy Ibrahim Atan.

In Parit Sulong, the division secretary Ahmad Zahri Jamil, who is also a state executive councillor, is said to be a strong contender to challenge one of the top three posts.

The incumbent division head is Tan Sri Redzuan Salim, his deputy is Daud Ibrahim while the youth head is Mohd Ismail Roslan.

It is not sure which post Ahmad Zahri is aiming for but talks from his supporters are rife that he can easily secure the deputy head's post.

Muar division head Abdul Malik Munip is expected to be challenged by either the present committee members or a veteran politician and corporate figure.

Abdul Malik may even expect another round of challenge from his colleague Zawawi Zain, who is also the private secretary to Deputy Education Minister Datuk Aziz Shamsuddin.

Zawawi had attempted to take the top post from Abdul Malik in 1997 but lost.

To date, there are no talks of a contest for the top two posts in the Ledang division but its vice-chairman Ahmat Yusop may face a challenge from the youth wing headed by Hamim Samuri.

It has been speculated that members in the division want qualified people to be in the division leadership line-up.

The division is headed by Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Othman, who is the Johor Mentri Besar.

No contest is expected for the Pagoh division which is headed by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin.

Other Umno divisions in the state seem to quiet on the contest for the top few positions.

New heads likely at 3 divisions

By Husna Yusop
husna@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA, Wed: At least three of the 11 Umno divisions in Pahang are expected to get new chiefs who will not face any challenge in the coming divisional elections. This need not be a sign of the response to the no-contest call by top party leaders - as a means of checking money politics - but just a matter of convenience.

The Temerloh, Jerantut and Paya Besar divisions are likely to be headed by Datuk Sarit Yusoh, Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar and Ahmad Tajuddin Sulaiman respectively. Contests for top posts in the Rompin, Maran, Raub, Bentong, Pekan and Lipis divisions are also not likely, under a compromise.

Only Kuantan and Mentakab divisions are expected to see a contest. Sarit, who is the Temerloh deputy chief, is tipped to replace incumbent chief Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik who will not be defending his seat "to give others a chance". Sarit, who was Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's former political secretary, won the Temerloh parliamentary constituency in the November 1999 general election, replacing Sabbaruddin, the former Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister.

The post vacated by Sarit will see a contest between incumbent Youth head Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Mustafa Yasin, who was Umno executive secretary when Sabbaruddin was holding the post of secretary-general. Ismail, who has to give up the Youth post as he has reached the age limit, will be replaced by either Amirudin Mohd Said, the incumbent vice-head, or Norul Azali Sulaiman.

In Jerantut, Azlan, who is the MP for the constituency, will take over from Ahmad Kamaruzaman Mohd Baria who has agreed to make way in a compromise. Azlan is a deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department. Ahmad Kamaruzaman is the former Jerantut MP and former parliamentary-secretary with the International Trade and Industry Ministry.

Incumbent deputy Azizan Yaakob will also make way for state executive councillor Datuk Ahmad Shukri Ismail who earlier replaced him as Pulau Tawar assemblyman. At the Youth level, a three-cornered fight is expected between incumbent Azman Ismail, former vice head Wan Amizan Wan Abdul Razak and Zukarmee Abu Bakar.

Wan Amizan resigned from his post in last November, supposedly because of a "personal dissatisfaction" with Azman.
Observers expect a tussle between state Youth committee members Zulkifli Abdullah and Sufian Kasim for Wan Amizan's seat. In Paya Besar, Lepar assemblyman Ahmad Tajuddin, who is also the state Umno secretary, will replace incumbent chief Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob who is the Kuantan MP.

A contest is expected for the deputy chief's post between incumbent vice head Suhaimi Mohd Shah and committee member Abdul Ghafar Ngah. For the post of Youth head, a contest is expected between incumbent vice head Mohd Zaili Besar and ordinary member Dr Nasarudin Zainudin.

Incumbent Mohd Sohaimi Jusoh is believed to be giving up the post because of "some pressure". In Kuantan, keen contests are expected for the division chief, deputy chief and vice-head posts while an agreement for no-contest has been reached for the Youth head's post.

Incumbent division chief Datuk Fauzi Abdul Rahman will be facing incumbent deputy Datuk Wan Adnan Wan Mamat and incumbent vice head Datuk Faizal Abdullah. Incumbent Youth head Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohd Nazahar will vacate his post, originally to vie for the division deputy's post but has now has decided to settle for the post of vice head instead.

This, according to political observers, is because one of Fauzi's contenders will withdraw to settle for the deputy's post, making it an "unsafe" seat for Abdul Hamid. Being a late starter, Abdul Hamid is expected to face a tough fight, since he will be challenged by two contenders, one of whom is Ahmad Shukor who is now leading with the highest number of nominations.

For the Youth head's post, incumbent vice head Abdul Kudus Abdul Rahim has won the top post uncontested, while Suhaimi Jusoh and Salihin Daud will fight for the No 2 post. In Mentakab, incumbent head Datuk Bahari Yahya will be challenged by his deputy Datuk Mohamad Jaafar.

For the deputy's post, incumbent vice head Kamaruzaman Yaakob will face division Youth head Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin in a straight fight. According to some observers, it will be a 50:50 situation for them as both contenders have their own groups of followers. Meanwhile, Sanggang assemblyman Redzwan Harun will be challenged by Youth permanent chairman Jalaludin Johan for the vice head's post.

A three-cornered fight is anticipated between incumbent vice head Nor Azmi Mat Ludin, lawyer Ismail Mohd Said who is the division secretary, and ordinary member Mohd Abdul Hakim Abdul Wahab to succeed Mohd Sharkar as Youth head.
The same is expected at the vice head level where it is believed that three contestants are vying for the seat - Mentakab information chief Syed Ali Maher Syed Alwi and liaison committee members Rodzuan Za'aba and Robuan Abdul Aziz.
In Lipis, the incumbent chief Datuk Omar Othman won uncontested by virtue of nominations, after a veteran, Zakaria Imam Iman - a former division secretary - failed to secure enough votes to qualify.

Incumbent deputy Amihamzah Ahmad who is also the Lipis MP, will be challenged by a state committee member, Mohd Rosmi Md Din, who is a school headmaster. The post of vice head is expected to see a one-to-one fight between the incumbent Datuk Wan Mustafa Wan Man and Padang Tengku assemblyman Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor.

The division's Youth chief, Abdul Fattah Abdullah, who has reached the age limit, will be vacating the post which will be fought between vice head Abdul Rahman Mohamad and information chief Kamarudin Ibrahim. Apart from Lipis, division chiefs believed to have won uncontested by virtue of the nominations received are Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob (Bentong), Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (Pekan) and Datuk Hassan Ariffin (Rompin).

Others are Datuk Tan Mohd Aminuddin Ishak (Maran) and Datuk Shahiruddin Abdul Moin (Raub). In Rompin, the Youth vice head Jalaludin Mohd Deli is not expected to face any challenge in his bid for the top post left vacant by Mahat Atan, who has withdrawn from the contest. Besides Mohd Sohaimi, Youth division chiefs vacating their posts are Datuk Mohd Zaini Salleh (Bentong), Abdul Aziz Mat Kiram (Raub) who is expected to be made division secretary and Mohd Mustafa Mohd Khalid (Pekan) who has opted to withdraw.

Mohd Zaini has decided to vacate the division post, since he has reached the age limit, to concentrate on his duties as Pahang Umno Youth chief. Straight-fights are expected for the vacancies, between vice head Khairudin Yaakob and lawyer Mohd Fauzi Abdul Latiff in Bentong, vice head Tengku Abdul Rahman Tengku Perang and treasurer Abdullah Abu Bakar in Raub and liaison committee member Nasarudin Yusof and ordinary member Mohd Yusri Ngah in Pekan.

Wrangling may intensify for the number two posts

PERLIS is the smallest state with only three Umno divisions. While there appears to be hardly any tussle for the top posts, contests for the number two position have got tongues wagging. NORAZIAN ABDUL RAHMAN reports.
THE incumbent heads of the Umno Arau and Padang Besar divisions, two out of the three divisions in Perlis, are not expected to face contests in the coming elections next month.

Arau is headed by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Padang Besar by Rural Development Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid.

Former mentri besar Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh, the incumbent chief of the third division, Kangar, is not seeking re-election.

In Arau, Shahidan was the only one nominated by the branches as they saw him as being capable of bringing development to the constituency and state.

However, all is not well. Talk is rife that his deputy, Baharuddin Haji Ahmad, will not be defending his post claiming "unhealthy developments'' in the division.

Sources said Baharuddin was unhappy that Shahidan's younger brother Ismail would be contesting the number two post and felt that Shahidan was condoning it.

They said Ismail, who is also state and division Umno Youth chief, was eyeing the number two post as he was now over 40 and no longer eligible to stay in the youth wing.

However, party insiders felt that Ismail should be patient and instead contest for the vice-chairman's post, now held by former Guar Sanji assemblyman Arof Saat.

In Padang Besar, Azmi is expected to go unchallenged.

This is because as the first full minister from Perlis, measures need to be taken to show his leadership standing as being solid and without discord.

However, the position of division deputy chief Datuk Yazid Mat is unclear and it is said that he wants to make way for new blood if certain conditions are met.

With no confirmation on this from his corner at this juncture, a three-cornered fight is expected for the post.

In the Kangar division, Dr Abdul Hamid, who stepped down as mentri besar to venture into business, announced recently that he was stepping down from the top post.

His deputy Datuk Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, a former MP and ex-Kangar division chief, had offered himself for the post and according to political observers is likely to win it.

Three people are said to be keen to contest the number two post: division secretary and Kuala Perlis assemblyman Bakar Saad; state executive councillor Md Isa Sabu (Bintong assemblyman); and division committee member Azam Rashid (special officer in the Mentri Besar's Office).

Smooth sailing for CM amid storm

Malacca Umno division elections will centre around the old guards, particularly two former chief ministers--one trying to make a comeback and the other trying hard to defend his division chief's post. DEVID RAJAH reports.
CHIEF Minister Datuk Wira Mohd Ali Rustam, who is the Batu Berendam division chief, has secured his position uncontested but the state's two previous heads are struggling to keep their political careers afloat in Umno.

Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik is on another comeback trail and is expected to take on incumbent Datuk Amid Nordin for the Kota Melaka division chief's post while in Jasin, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Isnin--the chief minister before Ali--is facing mounting pressure from his deputy chief Kpt (Rtd) Datuk Ahmad Hamzah.

According to observers, Rahim would stage a comeback if there was enough support although he had received enough nominations to contest.

Rahim has 17 nominations while Datuk Amid Nordin, who is the state assembly speaker, obtained 24 out of the 45 branches in the Kota Melaka division.

Rahim would need the remaining branches to back him to defeat Amid.

The negative issues being played up on the ground is said to have caused Amid's popularity to wane.

One of it, they said, is that Amid had allowed a community hall project to give way to a condominium in Ujong Pasir.

Some Umno members believe it would be tough for Rahim to win because of the allegations made against him although he had cleared his name.

In Jasin, Abu Zahar managed only 13 nominations out of 58 branches in the division, just enough to qualify to contest, while his opponent Ahmad, who is also Tun Ghafar Baba's son-in-law, obtained 44 nominations.

Although Abu Zahar, who is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Home Ministry, seemed to be on the losing side, an aide said he would not leave without a fight.

Umno members who are against Abu Zahar said he has brought little development to Jasin even when he was the chief minister.

An observer said it would be an uphill battle for Abu Zahar with the majority of branches backing Ahmad and his team.

Another division which will see contest for the top post is Selandar where state executive councillor Datuk Hamdin Abdollah is being challenged by Durian Tunggal assemblyman Datuk Kadir Daud.

Attempts to get Kadir, who is the incumbent deputy chief, to back out failed. Kadir received 32 nominations and Hamdin 17 of the 52 branches in the division.

Kadir's supporters claimed Hamdin had not kept his promise to pave the way for younger leaders to assume the division chief's post. On the other hand, Kadir is also accused of being impatient and not keeping to an agreement for a smooth transition.

Overall, the popularity of at least two incumbents is sliding.

In the case of Rahim and Amid, the fight is expected to be very close and both stand a 50:50 chance of winning.

Alor Gajah is the only other division of the five in the state which will see no contest for the top post as Mara chairman Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop, also Alor Gajah MP, had grabbed almost all the branches' nominations.

Tough fight expected in Kelantan

By Ferida Abdul Kudhus and Sulaiman Jaafar
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KOTA BARU, Thurs: Kelantan will see one of the toughest Umno divisional elections this year with only two division chiefs so far assured of re-election without contest.

Umno information chief Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, who is also head of Jeli Umno division, and MP for Gua Musang Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah,who is also head of the division, are set to retain their posts without any contest.

Despite earlier rumours of a challenge, two other party veterans - division chief for Peringat Datuk Annuar Musa and division head for Pasir Mas Datuk Ibrahim Ali - may also join the ranks of those returned unopposed.

Mustapa's call for aspirants to avoid contest and decide the positions through consensus (musyawarah) seems to have fallen on deaf ears and there is a mad scramble for almost all party posts in the 10 divisions.

Changes in the leadership of the state's Umno divisions are inevitable this time around and division leaders, especially veterans, who lost in the general election are the main target for the changes.

Umno recorded a disastrous performance in the November 1999 general election where it not only lost to PAS for the third time since 1990 but managed to secure just two out of 42 state seats and one parliamentary seat.

To add salt to the wound, two federal ministers - Mustapa and Annuar - also lost their seats.

The race for the division posts started with elections at branch-level early this month.

Several police reports have been lodged over branch meetings, claiming irregularities and intimidation, and complaints to the state's selection committee are flooding in.

Tanah Merah division chief Datuk Hashim Safin confirmed what many political analysts believed all this while - that the Umno elections in Kelantan are much fiercer and livelier than even the general elections.

"It is true and I can vouch for that. Party aspirants in branch and divisional elections here put in more energy, effort, time and money than during the general election."

Hashim, who has been at the helm of Tanah Merah for more than a decade, is expected to be challenged by the division vice-chairman Kamarulzaman Che Harun.

In Pasir Puteh, former Semerak assemblyman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor, who is the incumbent division chief, is involved in a three-cornered fight.

The incumbent is being challenged by former Parti Semangat 46 Machang MP Datuk Sukri Mohamed and ex-division Youth chief Rozali Mohamed.

For the Kota Baru division head post, lawyer Zaid Ibrahim, who lost in the previous contest, is trying his luck again against incumbent Datuk Ahmad Rastom Ahmad Maher.

In Machang, division chief Ismail Mamat is expecting a tough fight from businessman Jazlan Mohamed, the former division Youth chief while in Tumpat, the ex-Youth chief Norzaidi Omar will face acting division chief Mansor Salleh.

Pengkalan Chepa division will see an interesting contest for the top post between two businessmen. Corporate leader Dr Nik Zin Omar of Nepline Bhd is taking on incumbent Datuk Ariffin Abdul Hamid.

Former Kubang Krian head Md Zain Awang is trying to make a comeback. It is said that Md Zain, who lost to incumbent Tuan Hashim Tuan Yaacob in the previous election, still has a chance to cause an upset.

In Tumpat, the division chief Datuk Ahmad Shahabuddin Mohd Nor, is expected to be challenged by a committee member.
There is also talk that Kuala Krai chief Datuk Wan Zaid Abdullah and Rantau Panjang chief Md Zain Ismail will be challenged but the names of their opponents have yet to crop up.

In TERENGGANU, a revamp of the leadership at several divisions is inevitable.

Former information chief for Kemaman division Omar Bakar said the members want to see changes and their philosophy is that members are the ones who determine who they want for leaders.

"It is not because they do not listen to the leadership not to contest. It is their philosophy."

Following the appointment of Kemaman division head Tan Sri Wan Mokhtar Ahmad, who is also the former Terengganu Mentri Besar, as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the division's acting head Datuk Abu Bakar Ali is expected to be challenged by Ahmad Said.

Ahmad has already garnered 40 nominations from the branches compared to Abu Bakar's 25. The remaining 24 branches are expected to nominate Ahmad.

For the deputy division head post, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah's aide Ahmad Sabri Chik has already received 40 nominations compared to another contender Nasri Salleh. Nasri, the former political secretary to Wan Mokhtar, managed to garner 24 nominations.

The Kuala Terengganu division head Datuk Abu Bakar Daud, who was made ambassador to Egypt, is expected to give way to Roslan Awang Chik, the chairman of the Malay Bumiputra Contractors Association.

For the deputy division head post, lawyer Datuk Wan Farid Wan Salleh is expected to take over uncontested.
In Besut, division head Datuk Dr Yusof Nor is expected to give way to Datuk Idris Jusoh.

The Dungun division will see Awang Jabar contesting against Rosli Mat Hassan, with the incumbent head, Syed Omar, expected to give way.

No contests are expected in other divisions.

Eight in Sabah to be returned unopposed

By Roy Goh
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Kuala Lumpur, Fri: Only eight incumbent Umno divisional heads in Sabah are expected to be returned unopposed while the remaining 12 will have a rough ride to retain their positions.

Talk is rife that four of the 12 divisional heads are still trying hard to seek some kind of truce with the challengers.

The continuation of the rotation system followed and a cabinet reshuffle by new Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat have also some bearing on next month's Umno division election in the state.

Those division heads chosen to sit in Chong's cabinet line-up may see support returning to them.

They are former Chief Minister Datuk Salleh Said Keruak, former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ghapur Salleh and new Finance Minister Datuk Musa Aman.

Incumbent Kota Belud division chief Salleh, who is now the Local Government and Housing Minister may see a challenge from Tempasuk assemblyman Musban Jamli who is also the division deputy chief.

A third candidate, Awatnil Matanggal, may also surface but is still seeking enough nominations to join the race.

Incumbent Tawau division chief Ghapur, who is now the Minister in the Chief Minister's Department, may face Dr Patawari Patawe but if negotiation works well, the Assistant Minister of Industrial Development may just settle for the deputy division chief post.

Libaran division, anticipated to be a hot area, will likely see incumbent chief Musa, now the finance minister, defending his post against State Assembly Speaker Datuk Hassan Alban Sandukong.

Other divisions claimed by insiders and on the negotiating table are Beaufort division headed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Ukin with Deputy Primary Industries Minister Datuk Anifah Aman as the main contender.

In the Tenom division, deputy division chief Datuk Rizalman Abdullah is weighing his options among the potentials for the division chief post as the incumbent chief former Youth, Culture and Sports Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang is not in Chong's cabinet.

Sipitang division has camps led by Assistant Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports Development Datuk Sapawi Ahmad and newly appointed Senator Datuk Dayang Mahani Tun Pengiran Raffae. It is said that discussions are being held.

Gaya is the only division where a contest has been made public: between incumbent Datuk Uzair Yahya and Saidon Kadis.

Saidon has reported to the police as well as the Sabah Umno divisional elections monitoring committee that there were attempts to interfere in his nomination for the top post.

In the Silam division, a three-cornered fight is expected between incumbent Datuk Mohd Yusof Amat Jamlee, Datuk Railey Jeffrey and Datuk Nasrun Harun.

Divisions where one sided contests are expected between incumbents and lower ranked aspirants seeking to move up the party ladder are Tanjung Aru, Marudu, Bandau and Beluran.

In Tanjung Aru, incumbent Datuk Yahya Lampong may face Razak Dulait while the Marudu division incumbent chief who is the Assistant Rural Development and Entrepreneur Minister Datuk Masrani Parman may face unknown Rahim Sidek.

The Bandau division incumbent chief Datuk Saidi Suari is expected to face committee member Jelani Hamdan while Beluran division chief who is Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Surady Kayong may face committee member Mardin Malayu.

Divisional heads that may not face contests are Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor (Tuaran), Datuk Osu Sukam (Papar), Tan Sri Kasitah Gadam (Kinabalu), Datuk Sairin Karno (Keningau), Datuk Seri Panglima Ampong Puyon (Sandakan), Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan), Datuk Yahya Hussin (Penampang) and Datuk Shafie Apdal (Semporna).

Saturday, March 31, 2001
Fauzi: I won't budge from decision to vacate Beserah seat

KUANTAN: Datuk Fauzi Abdul Rahman will not budge from his decision to vacate the Beserah state seat, alleging money politics in Umno as the reason for his action.
"I am unhappy with money politics in Umno, even at the branch level,'' he said in an interview at his house here yesterday after submitting his resignation letter to Pahang Umno chief Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.

His secretary Noor Ferizli Nordin handed the letter to Adnan's political secretary Samsuddin Nawawi at 2.30pm yesterday.

Refuting suggestions that he had been approached by opposition parties to join them, Fauzi said he would always be loyal to Umno.

"I have been an Umno member for the past 30 years,'' said the former deputy minister in the prime minister's department who first won a major post in Umno when he became the deputy division chief in Kuantan Umno.

Fauzi, who failed to secure enough nominations to defend his current post as Kuantan Umno division head, said, however, that this was not the reason for his resignation.

He said was disappointed that he did not get the support of his branches in the Beserah constituency.

"If branches within my own constituency will not support me to even give their nominations, I find it pointless to continue being the assemblyman for Beserah,'' he said.

Outlining the gist of his letter, Fauzi, 55, urged the party to investigate the presence of money politics in the ongoing branch meetings.

He said his letter exposed the rampant use of money, hampers and distribution of meat to party members.

"I want the party to investigate my allegations and not brand me as a frustrated person.

"Money politics is rife in my area and because my branches were lured by such gifts, I did not get their support.''

He added that he was willing to withdraw his resignation if Umno investigates his allegations.

Fauzi reportedly made the decision to resign after lodging a police report against former Pahang Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob over allegations relating to state funds.

Responding to comments by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Bahau, Fauzi said he was not causing any trouble but merely trying to set things straight within the party.

"If Dr Mahathir thinks that serving the people of Beserah for the past 14 months is troublesome to the party, what about people who used money within two weeks to buy nominations from the branches?''