Abdullah's second man still unknown

Abdullah's second man still unknown

Eileen Ng, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur

Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was firmly entrenched on Wednesday as Malaysia's new leader from October 2003 but this has thrown open a new issue: who will be his number two?

Malaysians are looking for clues as to who will be the new second-in-command and next in line to the premiership after coming to terms with the shock resignation of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad after 21 years at the helm.

Mahathir, upon his return home from a 10-day holiday early Wednesday, pledged his full support for Abdullah as his successor and said he would ensure there was no power tussle for the number two post.

Officials say the mild-mannered Abdullah, 62, whose ability to fill the shoes of his mentor has been questioned, has the prerogative to pick anyone he desires to be his deputy.

But he may not have a chance to exercise his power as UMNO is due to hold triennial leadership polls in June next year.

Many observers however, believe that the party polls may be postponed to make way for a snap general election before Mahathir steps down, although it is not due until late 2004.

Strong contenders for the number two post are the three current UMNO vice presidents -- Defense Minister Najib Razak, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Muhyiddin Mohamad Yassin and Muhammad Muhammad Taib.

Many see Najib as the frontrunner after being passed over by Mahathir, who picked Abdullah as his deputy following the sacking and jailing of Anwar Ibrahim in 1998.

The 48-year-old Najib, who as the son of Malaysia's second prime minister has a headstart over the others, won the highest number of votes during 2000 party polls among the three UMNO vice presidents.

Analysts said Najib's appointment would help Abdullah keep a lid on party unity and establish his control over UMNO by reducing the prospects of internal convulsion.

"Who becomes deputy is crucial as it is the stepping stone to the presidency and Abdullah is seen as an interim transitional leader," an Asian diplomat told AFP.

"Najib is the best suited man for the job for the sake of party unity. The general assessment is that Najib's boys will not let things lie if he is passed over again for the number two post."