All the president’s men

By The Malaysian Insider team

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 – In the race for the three vice-presidents' seats, all the president's men made it.

It was no surprise that Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi won with the highest number of votes. Zahid polled 1,592 votes, Hishammuddin Hussein 1,515 and Shafie Apdal, 1,445.

While party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak did not formally endorse them, his officials had made a strong pitch for Zahid and Shafie.

Throughout the campaign period, Zahid, who is also the de facto Islamic affairs minister, has been taking a tough stand on matters related to the religion, especially on the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims.

Shafie said, “I’m so happy. This is a historic thing, it’s the first time for Sabah ... a VP.”

He expressed confidence that the trinity of Umno vice presidents with their combined backgrounds – Zahid Hamidi’s an Islamic expert, Hishamuddin’s a lawyer and he is an economist – presented a formidable force to be reckoned with.

A jubilant Zahid raises his arms in victory as the results were being announced. – Picture by Choo Choy May

“This proves we have a place in Umno,” he added, referring to his ethnic background.

Newly minted VP Datuk Ahmad Zahid, who polled the most votes, was noisily received by his admirers who formed a tight band around him shouting in spurts, “Datuk Zahid, Datuk Zahid!” while ushering him through the crowd.

Apparently overwhelmed by the occasion, Hishamuddin said: “I still need time to absorb it.”

“The line-up is young ... but I think we can bring the country to greater heights.”

“This win is a team that represents the aspirations of the delegates so that the leadership institution of Umno will be strengthened with a combination of past and present statesmen,” Zahid said.

“It can be a platform for Najib so that Umno can be rebranded and made relevant to the Malays and the people of Malaysia.”

“Umno needs to be relevant to young voters as about two million of them will be voting in the next general elections.”

“The new line-up is a good combination which will help Najib strengthen Umno.”

“It’s not important who got the highest votes but that we can work together. All of us are products of Umno Youth and were on the executive committee when Najib was the chief and this (shared history) will help Najib.”

“As Pak Lah said, Umno Youth is a continuity from the 1950s and suitable for the present.”