KU LI FAVOURITE FOR TOP UMNO SPOT
But some wonder if he can bring change within the party
DESPITE the packed field, Umno veteran Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, known as Ku Li, remains the top contender for the party’s presidential post, say analysts.
However, some are sceptical over his ability to bring change within Umno due to his track record in his home state, Kelantan.
Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said despite Ku Li retaining his Gua Musang seat, which he had held for more than two decades, he failed to help Umno wrest Kelantan from Pas.
He said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, however, had been working hard to cover the ground among grassroots leaders, seeking endorsements for his bid to win the party’s top post.
“Many believe that Ku Li can save Umno, but if this is the case, then why did Umno keep losing Kelantan for more than 20 years?
“Based on what I have learnt, Zahid has met with Kelantan Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and will go to Pahang next.
“Has Ku Li met with Mustapa? “Zahid has started going on a tour around the country, which means his relationship with the grassroots will strengthen. This is a reflection of support.” Following Barisan Nasional and Umno’s defeat in the 14th General Election, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak stepped down as BN chairman and Umno president.
Umno is seeking a new leader, which will be determined in the party polls on June 30.
On Sunday, Umno executive secretary Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said for the first time in the party’s history, seven candidates filed nominations to vie for the presidency.
Apart from Ku Li and Zahid, the other contenders are Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, blogger Rahmat Azim Abdul Aziz, Bangi Umno division’s Rosili Saat; Bandar Tun Razak Umno division’s Mohamed Iqbal Maricair; and Iskandar Puteri Umno division’s Mohd Yusof Musa@Jamaludin.
Awang said while Umno members wished to have a clean, humble leader as their new president, the question was who among the top three contenders — Ku Li, Zahid and Khairy — could heal the party, unite its three millionstrong members and offer a good fight to Pakatan Harapan.
“Umno needs a leader who is good with everyone, can play his cards well, has the stature to meet other leaders, including (Prime Minister Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“So far, only Zahid has done this,” he said, referring to the June 7 meeting between Zahid and Dr Mahathir.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia political analyst Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, however, believed Ku Li was the only person who could bring significant changes within Umno.
He said the Umno election would boil down to a showdown either between Ku Li and Zahid or Ku Li and Khairy, adding that either way, Ku Li’s name would remain as a mainstay.
He said if Umno wanted to regain the people’s trust, it needed a clean leader who was not tainted by alleged wrongdoings of the previous administration.
“There is only one person who fits this criterion and that is Ku Li. Umno will have a better chance at having the change they crave for if they choose Ku Li.
“Ku Li is not linked to any corruption cases or the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal. He was not a cabinet member under Najib’s administration, unlike Zahid and Khairy.”