BY AHIRUDIN ATTAN

EVEN before yesterday's formal announcement, it had become increasingly clear that Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (left) would contend for the No. 1 position in Wanita Umno.

Ties between her and her boss, the formidable Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz (right), had become tense. They are the top two leaders of the women's wing of Malaysia's Umno party, which dominates the ruling coalition.

Last week, Ms Rafidah publicly taunted Ms Shahrizat for not inviting her boss to her Hari Raya open house.

The Special Adviser to the Prime Minister for Women and Social Development Affairs reportedly replied that the do was "for friends only".

Both leaders earned enough nominations from Wanita Umno divisions to make them eligible for the contest, which will take place during the Umno general assembly next March.

The assembly will also see Umno president and prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi step down and Datuk Seri Najib Razak, his deputy, take charge.

The Wanita movement had agreed in August to its own transition plan. Ms Rafidah would hand the reins to Ms Shahrizat next June. But, then, Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim, amother of 11, offered herself for the No. 2 post. She received enough nominations to challenge Ms Shahrizat.

So, why didn't Ms Shahrizat simply defend her post? Her supporters retort that she went for the top rung since there is nothing in the party constitution or Umno tradition to support the transition pact.

Ms Rafidah's supporters say that is a feeble excuse by certain quarters to topple her. Interestingly, some people believe that Ms Shahrizat's attempt is being sponsored by parties close to Datuk Seri Abdullah.

These people are likely to argue that Mr Abdullah was behind another challenge: Datuk Seri Ali Rustam's challenge to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin for the Umno deputy presidency.

Both Ms Rafidah and Mr Muhyiddin played a role in helping Mr Najib get to where he is.

So far, though, the winner is Ms Kamilia, who will win the No. 2 post uncontested.

Ms Rafidah will defend her position. She told friends she had nothing to lose.

Ms Shahrizat tried to avoid a contest by asking Ms Rafidah to step down during the March assembly.

It was just three months earlier than planned, after all.

But some say Ms Rafidah wants the three additional months for a selfish reason: She plans to make her way back to the Cabinet once Mr Najib becomes premier.

Others note, however, that even if she loses, Mr Najib may still take her on board.

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