Who Will Prevail After March 2008.

Ahmad Abang for The spectator March 16, 2009

Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia:

Who Will Prevail After The Handover?

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Abdullah Badawi, is still insisting of handing over power to his Deputy, Najib Razak, sometimes around late March 2009, as planned.

Now that the main component of the National Front Coalition, UMNO, is getting ready for its Extraordinary Convention which will start on the 26^th May 2009, once again the nation’s eyes are riveted towards the event.

However, there are voices, albeit naughty ones, questioning the sincerity of the man. Ever cool and calm, Abdullah brushed his critics aside. He reiterated that the power-handover touted about will be carried out as scheduled. What has not been decided is the manner in which it will be implemented.

Now that the issue is settled, the nation’s attention once again, focused on who will be included in the next cabinet.

Najib Razak is now the President of United Malay National Organisation which is still the backbone of the National Front Coalition. Among the front runners are those who are vying for the Deputy President’s post. Another development that is slowly getting the people’s attention is the result of a survey taken by a local university that pinpointed Ali Rustam as having the edge over Muhyiddin Yassin [international Trade and Industry Minister]. Muhyiddin, once considered as a favourite because he received the most nominations for the post. Another candidate for the post is Mohammad Mat Taib, a former Chief Minister of Selangor. However, Mohamad is widely seen as a candidate who has passed his time.

The Woman’s Wing is an important component of UMNO. Thus, the post of Woman’s Chief is keenly contested. This time around it is the incumbent. Rafidah Aziz, and her Deputy, Syahrizat Jalil who will be slugging it out. The prize is always a senior post in the cabinet.

Syahrizat, who formerly have no intention of gunning for the post was heatened by the number of nominations she received from across the nation. The number of nominations that she received is translated as a protest to Rafidah’s leadership. Thus is declared by our political pundits.

What is important to note for now is the assumption that whoever made the new Committee’s line-up will determine the composition of the new cabinet. They will also determine the new agenda for the Coalition. Their supporters will never accept less than a two-third majority.

Above all, it is of utmost importance for UMNO driven BN Coalition to cash-in the sentiment of disgust among the people towards the PR Opposition which is now seen as rude and crude.