M'SIAN DPM NAJIB TO CONTEST UMNO PRESIDENCY

KUALA TERENGGANU (Malaysia), Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Umno Deputy President Najib Tun Razak Thursday offered himself as a candidate in the contest for the Umno presidency at the party elections in March next year.

"In accordance with the decision of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
(who is not seeking re-election as Umno president), I, humbly and sincerely,
wish to offer myself as a candidate for the Umno presidency," he said
at an Aidilfitri reception with Terengganu Umno Liaison Committee members and
community leaders at Hotel Primula, here.

After Najib had made the announcement, at 4.10 pm, everyone present gave
him a standing ovation.

Najib was accompanied by his wife, Rosmah Mansor. Also present
at the function were Terengganu Chief Minister Ahmad Said, who is chairman
of the Terengganu Umno Liaison Committee, and International Trade and Industry
Minister and Umno Vice-President Muhyiddin Yassin.

Najib had arrived here this morning for a day-long visit to Terengganu.


Abdullah announced Wednesday that he would not seek re-election as Umno
president in the party elections in March next year, paving the way for Najib to
contest the presidency.

The prime minister said he hoped that Najib would be elected the new Umno
president then, and subsequently take over the chairmanship of the National
Front (Barisan Nasional -BN) and helm the government as the prime minister.

The transition of power from Abdullah to Najib was originally planned for
June 2010 but was brought forward to March next year.

Speaking to reporters after the function, Najib said that with the
support of the party's grassroots and delegates, he would continue with the
agenda of Umno's struggle with the reforms mentioned by the prime minister
Wednesday.

Abdullah had said that before he steps down as prime minister, he would
table three bills in parliament to establish the Judicial Appointments
Commission, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and a Special Complaints
Commission.


On his announcement Thursday, Najib said: "I believe that this announcement will
ensure smooth functioning of the party's democratic process as well as enable
all Umno members to work together to further consolidate the party."

He said that with the latest developments, he was banking on the trust and
confidence of the people of all races, including party members and leaders.

He also expressed the hope that government officers and staff, members of
the security forces, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academicians and
corporate figures as well as the older and younger generations nationwide,
including in Sabah and Sarawak, would place their trust in the BN for the
coalition to further consolidate itself.

"Truly, the task as a leader is a trust and responsibility bestowed by God.
God willing, I will carry it out to the best of my ability," he said.

Asked who he thought would be the suitable candidate for Umno deputy
president to work with him, Najib only said: "I will make my comment another day
... another occasion."

Asked about the possibility of someone else offering to contest the Umno
presidency, he said: "What can we do? We subscribe to a democratic process. I
respect the voice of the party members."

On his hopes when he becomes the prime minister, Najib said: "I will only
say that when the time comes because in the next six months, Abdullah
will continue to be prime minister and we must give him our full support to
carry out the reforms that he has announced."

Umno or United Malays National Organisation is Malaysia's largest political
party and a founding member of the ruling BN coalition.