Mukhriz and Hisham first to check in, Khairy still trails

OCT 12 – Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has 39 nominations, one more than needed, for his name to be officially on the ballot in the race for Umno Youth Chief.

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, another son of a former PM, has also secured more than the 19 nominations necessary to contest the party vice presidency.

Khairy has received only 20 nominations so far in what is turning into a proxy battle between his father-in-law, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi, and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the father of Mukhriz. Former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo has 11 nominations so far.

The race is likely to be a two-horse contest between Mukhriz and Khairy.

Mukhriz's commanding position suggests Dr Mahathir still wields substantial influence in the party.

For the Umno presidency, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is still the only person receiving nominations.

So far, Najib has 24 nominations with none for Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, the only other declared candidate for the post.

For No. 2, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has secured 21 nominations.

Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam has two nominations so far while Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib has one.

None of the other candidates for the deputy presidency have received any support yet.

The early indication seems to suggest overwhelming support for a Najib-Muhyiddin ticket to lead Umno, with the prospect of any official contest slim.

The vice presidents' race still appears open, with Datuk Seri Hishammuddin the first to check in as an official candidate.

Among a raft of contenders, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamid has 12 nominations while Datuk Shafie Apdal has 11.

Datuk Khaled Nordin managed to garner eight while Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar has six in a tight race so far.

At least six other candidates have also picked up a handful of nominations.

-TMI

TP - Poor KJ...