UP to that moment, he had been the consummate politician, answering tough questions with aplomb, more often than not with an easy smile.  | | Mr Najib has his 'tengkolok' - traditional Malay headgear - adjusted by one of his aides before he addresses a crowd in Alur Limbat, Marang. |
But when asked if he would be ready to take over the top job 'sooner than expected, if necessary', Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's demeanour changed. The New Paper's question after his press conference in Terengganu seemed to have caught him off-guard in more ways than one. His smile evaporated, and Mr Najib responded only with the words 'No, no, no.' Noting his discomfort, his aides quickly stepped in to push this reporter aside, clearing a path for him to leave the room. It was not clear from his response if Mr Najib, 55, was saying he was not prepared to take over, or that he was not answering the question. To be fair, it was a difficult issue for him to address, especially in the heat of the hustings. The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) is facing a spirited challenge by the Opposition over racial and corruption-related issues. The influence of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and his opposition coalition of Barisan Alternatif is evident. From their perspective, the last thing BN needs is a question about Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad's leadership of BN and Umno, the Malay-based majority partner in the ruling coalition, or any suggestion of a power struggle between him and his deputy, Mr Najib. QUESTION WORTH ASKING  | | The DPM's use of the local dialect alongside Malay during his speech pleases the crowd. |
But such questions do exist and are relevant, say political watchers. National University of Singapore political science professor Bilveer Singh said: 'There may be changes within MCA (Malaysia Chinese Association) and MIC (Malaysian Indian Congress) when each holds its congress after the general elections. 'This, in turn, may decide in the Umno congress who stays or goes. If Mr Abdullah is seen as a liability, then he could step down and pave the way for Mr Najib.' And what happens at the Umno congress could speed up the succession process for Mr Najib. Still, Mr Najib, who is also defence minister, seems to be in no hurry. Observers said his succession is guaranteed and, unlike Mr Anwar, he is not seen as being eager to 'grab' the position of prime minister. He has never publicly stated his desire to be prime minister, added experts. And Mr Najib is not likely to repeat the mistakes of Mr Anwar. Said Mr James Wong, chief analyst at Strategic Analysis Malaysia: 'Mr Najib has always said he is loyal to his party. He is patient, a safe player and a sophisticated politician. 'He is capable of being Malaysia's PM because of his political pedigree.' His father, Tun Abdul Razak, was seen as the defender of Malay rights and Mr Najib is seen as the extension of this legacy, said a senior Malaysian journalist who declined to be named. Mr Najib's performance at this coming election could also be pivotal in deciding his position in Umno. He will be contesting the Pekan (Pahang) parliamentary seat against Parti Keadilaan Rakyat's (PKR) Khairul Annuar Ahmad. The deputy prime minister, who was formerly Chief Minister of Pahang, cannot afford a 'black spot' on his political report card, said Mr Wong. In 1999, Mr Najib won the Pekan seat with a slim majority of 241 votes over his PAS rival, but redeemed himself in 2004, when he won by 22,922votes, also against a PAS rival. Said Mr Wong: 'If a replay of the 1999 election happens, it will weaken Mr Najib's bargaining power in Umno. But it is unlikely to happen as he is challenged by a relatively new candidate.' Judging by the response he got in Marang, he seems a popular figure. As he arrived, Marang's parliamentary candidate Datuk DrAhmad Ramzi placed a 'tengkolok' (traditional headgear) on his head. His connection with the crowd was also clear as he easily switched from Bahasa Melayu to the local Terengganu dialect, earning many nods of approval. His message to the crowd in Marang was simple. With BN, progress is possible without harming the cultural and religious harmony of Terengganu. In four years, the BN-backed government had built 67 mosques inTerengganu, while PAS had built none, Mr Najib said. His visit came just days after the PM himself had visited Terengganu, one of the states the BN is most concerned about winning. Said Professor Singh: 'If BN retains Terengganu and captures Kelantan, it's the icing on the cake. It would guarantee that Mr Abdullah would be able to hold on (to his post as prime minister) for another term.' There are some who say that MrNajib's early succession to the topjob could be inevitable, given the current climate of unrest in Umno. This is due in part to the sudden rise of MrAbdullah's son-in-law, MrKhairy Jamaluddin. Said a veteran journalist: 'In Malaysian politics, especially in Umno, you have to bide your time before moving up the ranks. 'Some are unhappy that the PM's son-in-law has suddenly come into the limelight.' The PM's style has also been in the spotlight. Said the journalist: 'His relaxed leadership style and (desire) to please everybody is dangerous as people within Umno have taken advantage of the situation. 'There are now different camps in Umno. During a time of uncertainty, there needs to be a strong man leading.' When that leadership change will take place is something MrNajib is not prepared to answer right now. But depending on Saturday's elections and the following Umno congress, he may have to start preparing an answer.
Politics is no joke, or is it? POLITICAL. Pointed. And not afraid to comment. That sums up this cartoon as well as its creator, Zunar. Here, the Malaysian political cartoonist touches on what issues get people excited today. 'Merdeka! (Independence!)', his cartoon's political leader cries. But the dozing audience (or are they voters?) wakes only when he changes his message - to 'mau duit ka?' (Want money?) The well-known cartoonist, whose work has appeared in publications like Berita Harian and on Malaysian news website Malaysiakini, once said that he does not draw just for laughs. He said: 'I draw so that people would laugh and think. I'd like to think of myself as a drop of water in the ocean, but at least I am able to create a ripple or even a wave.' | 
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