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Najib wins Umno president post uncontested

M'sia's deputy PM is on track to becoming nation's 6th PM after he won the Umno presidency unopposed. -The Star

Sun, Nov 02, 2008
The Star

Malaysia, KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is on track to becoming the nation's sixth prime minister after he won the Umno presidency unopposed, receiving his 133rd nomination from the Cameron Highlands division on Sunday.

Among the divisions that nominated him on Sunday were Teluk Kemang, Tawau, Ayer Hitam, Tanjung Malim, Batu Kawan, Segamat, Sekijang, Tampin, Kuala Pilah, Balik Pulau, Kapar, Indera Mahkota and Bentong.

A candidate needs 58 of the 191 nominations to be eligible to contest. By passing the 133 mark, he has denied any interested candidate the possibility of contesting because the person would not be able to secure the required 58 nominations.

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who received his first nomination for the presidency on Saturday from his own Gua Musang division, has been left out in the cold.

He was the only candidate who wanted to take Najib on for the presidency.

Najib garnered another four nominations giving him a total of 137 by 6pm.

Another nine divisions are meeting Sunday.

Najib will be officially assuming his seat in March during the Umno general assembly.

The current Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi decided not to defend his post and to pass over his mantle to his deputy.

By convention, the Umno president becomes Malaysia's Prime Minister.

 
 
 
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