SHAH ALAM - The ministers who are the candidates for the Umno vice president post are seen as having a slight edge to be chosen for the third highest position in the party election today ( Saturday)
Among the candidates that are expected to put up a fierce competition for the post are, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
Ilham Centre chief researcher and Associate Professor Dr Mohd Yusri Ibrahim said based on the four names Azalina who is the Law Minister and Khaled who is the Higher Education Minister were most likely to be chosen.
"It is customary for candidates who hold positions especially ministers to win the election to ensure the party has great government influence.
"It indirectly launches Umno’s agendas in the unity government.
"Azalina has the advantage compared to others as she is the only woman candidate and if the votes from women representatives were directed to her, her chances exponentially increases,” he told Sinar on Friday.
Commenting on the style of delegates in choosing Umno leaders recently, Yusri admitted that Johari and Mahdzir's influence should not be taken lightly as they were ‘old-timers’ in Umno with their own following.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Political Science Professor Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan was of the same views.
He said the candidates from the cabinet line up that represented Umno in the government currently would surely be inclined to be chosen.
"Voters (representatives) should consider leaders with ideas and plans to elevate Umno’s as a political Malay party
He said the grassroots hopes to see the new leadership strengthen Umno.