KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: A Malaysian prince says he is ready to challenge Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the leadership of the ruling party after its dismal election showing, media reported Thursday.
Razaleigh Hamzah, a lawmaker and former finance minister, said he would contest the presidency of the United Malays National Organization, or UMNO, if he is nominated ahead of party elections in August, according to newspapers.
"If this can help restore UMNO, then I am ready to accept the responsibility. I leave it to UMNO members. I am offering my services," Razaleigh, 71, was quoted as saying by Bernama, the national news agency. "The election results show that the people are restless."
Razaleigh's open challenge puts new pressure on Abdullah to keep his grip on UMNO — the linchpin of the 14-party National Front coalition that has ruled Malaysia for 51 years. Razaleigh is a member of the royal family in the northeastern Kelantan state, as well as a longtime UMNO member. He unsuccessfully challenged Abdullah for the party presidency in 2004.
Abdullah has faced calls for his resignation since the National Front lost its traditional two-thirds majority in Parliament in the March 8 polls, winning just 140 seats in the 222-member house. It also lost control in five of Malaysia's 13 states.
Adnan Mansor, the newly appointed UMNO secretary-general, said Thursday it was up to party members to decide whether to nominate Razaleigh, but he expressed confidence that Abdullah still commanded strong support in the party.
"We are a democratic party. Anybody can offer themselves. It is up to the party to decide," Adnan told The Associated Press. "There is no split in the party. (Abdullah) is still the president."
Last week, Mukhriz Mahathir — an UMNO lawmaker and son of former premier Mahathir Mohamad — echoed his father's call for Abdullah to quit. Other UMNO members have been quietly circulating an online petition urging Abdullah to take responsibility for the election losses.
But Abdullah insisted he has strong support from both UMNO and National Front leadership.
"Haven't UMNO members realized we've lost five states? Are they still sleeping?" Razaleigh was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
Razaleigh has called for a special UMNO meeting in May to discuss the party's future, but it was unclear if he could muster enough support. Neither he nor his aides could be reached for comment Thursday.
Nine of Malaysia's states have extensive royal families. Razaleigh is one of only a few royals involved in politics.AFP
International Herald Tribune
PEOPLE'S POWER
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