KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will announce the post he is going for once Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi states whether he wil defend his presidency or not.
Muhyiddin said he was waiting for a signal and clear indication from Abdullah before he declared the post to offer himself for.
Muhyiddin, who is tipped to be going for the party’s number two post, said it was unfair to assume that there would be a vacancy in the two top posts when the party holds its elections in March 2009.
“But whether members feel I am suitable for whatever posts, they will decide,” he told reporters Wednesday at the Hari Raya open house hosted by the Prime Minister and Muslim Cabinet minister at the Putra World Trade Centre.
On certain divisions already stating their intention to nominate Abdullah’s deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Muhyiddin for the top two posts in the party election, he said it was not against the party constitution for them to do that.
However, he said it was probably best to wait until Abdullah’s announcement within the next week. The divisions will start their meetings on Oct 9 and make nominations for posts that would be contested during the Umno general assembly in March.
“It means it has to be very clear so that the divisions will then get a signal to say they can nominate Najib, whether as president or will the post of deputy president be vacant. Of course people will say will you go in. All these will hinge upon the final statement (by Abdullah),” he said.
He said it was better for the divisions to wait rather than make assumptions based on an uncertainty.
The International Trade and Industries Minister also said that by analysis Abdullah’s decision to push the election to March 2009 was setting a new deadline for the transition plan to be implemented.
“By analysis, at that time he will hand over the position to Najib,” he said.
On Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s intention to make a second go at the party presidency whether or not Abdullah defends his post, he said Razaleigh had always been consistent in this stand.
“It is his prerogative. The subject is whether he will get the nominations and go through the hurdles. Umno is democratic and it is up to delegates (to decide) what they feel is best for Umno and the country,” he said.
- The Star
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