Mahathir wants 'unwinnable' Najib out ...

The power tussle In Umno has become so clear that established political pundits have no qualms in predicting Prime Minister Najib Razak's imminent ouster as party president.

“He is seen as a liability to the government, Umno and BN. By asking for a delay, it is an admission that there is pressure inside Umno for Najib to step down before the next general election,"

PAS vice president Mahfuz Omar told a press conference on Wednesday.
Indeed, Malaysia Chronicle has previously reported on the red-hot speculation that a move had begun in Umno to unseat Najib before the next general election, widely expected to be held this.

Umno watchers had revealed this following a 6 per cent plunge in the PM's popularity rating to 59 per cent from 65 per cent in May, sparking unease amongst the grassroots that Najib might be their stumbling to retaining their long-held grip on power.

Najib's supporters had laughed off the talk, warning that the 58-year leader could call for snap polls anytime to 'fix' his hold on Umno. But even if Najib managed to lead BN to a simple majority victory over the Pakatan Rakyat led by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, he is unlikely to escape censure by his party.

Pundits said even if he gets the coveted two-thirds majority of seats in Parliament, his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin is likely to challenge him for the party presidency.

Not winnable

On Monday, Mahathir had dropped a bombshell by clearly expressing the wish that there was "no harm in waiting a little longer" for the GE-13 date, adding that it would give Najib more time to decide on the candidates. Given that the consensus view had been that snap polls would be held after the unveiling of Budget 2012 in October, Mahathir's remarks were viewed as significant.

Although out of government since retiring in 2003, the 85-year old Mahathir holds tremendous sway in Umno and without his help, it is unlikely Najib could win.

"As I see it, Umno and BN is either facing candidacy issues or the party itself is having problems, that it is not (in a) winnable (position). Mahathir is giving a message to Najib that he is not winnable,” said Mahfuz.

“Mahathir has returned as a mastermind to pull down Najib. There will be groups that will follow Mahathir's lead, as happened during the movement to bring down Abdullah."

Before or after GE-13

The PAS leader was referring to Najib's predecessor Abdullah Badawi, who was forced to announce a succession plan even though he had won the 2008 general election win a simple majority.

The biggest guessing game in town is when Najib will step down - before or after the GE-13.

"Most likely after GE-13 unless there is a fresh scandal to threaten Umno. But Najib will go despite all the talk that he has a lot of power as the sitting PM. That is hogwash.

Najib will always toe the line, he doesn't have the fighting spirit. Otherwise, he would have to introduce much-needed reforms in Umno," the watcher told Malaysia Chronicle.

Dr M masuk gelanggang tekan Najib

source:Malaysia Chronicle

cheers.