JERLUN, 10 Oct 2008: Umno Youth head aspirant Datuk Mukriz Mahathir said Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin were the most suitable candidates to become Umno president and deputy president respectively.
He said Najib, the present deputy president, possessed the character of a quality leader with patience.
“Najib is the most suitable candidate to hold the post of president because of the leadership characteristic he possesses,” said Mukhriz to reporters at the Jerlun Umno Youth delegates meeting here today.
On Muhyiddin, he said, the Umno vice president qualified for the number two post because of his attitude in being frank with the leadership when an issue or crisis occurred for the sake of party survival and not afraid of a possible backlash as a result.
“Muhyiddin has also proved his ability when leading several ministries including the latest, the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
“I hope the divisions nationwide which are holding their delegates meetings will nominate the two personalities as the president and deputy president for the party polls in March,” he said.
Muhyiddin today offered himself to stand for the post of Umno deputy president after Najib announced his candidacy for the presidency yesterday following Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s decision not to seek re-election.
Among those who are also eyeing the post of deputy president are the other vice president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib and Pulai division head Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
Meanwhile on the contest for the Umno Youth head, Mukhriz who is Jerlun Member of Parliament (MP), said he expected a close fight with the other contenders who included Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin and former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
He said money politics could affect his chances of getting enough nominations to be eligible to contest. The seat fell vacant after Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein decided to make way and contest for the vice-presidency. — Bernama
