Guessing game still on for Ku Li's next move

KUALA LUMPUR: The guessing game is still on whether Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (pic) will throw his hat into the ring for the Umno presidency.

At a press conference held at his home here, the Gua Musang Umno division chief remained coy when pressed by reporters, whether he will offer to contest the party president’s post.

“I will inform when I need to make a decision.

“In a politician’s life, even two hours is a long time,” he said on Sunday (June 10).

The dateline to submit nominations for posts in the party elections is next Sunday (June 17).

Asked what elements will influence his decision on whether to contest or not, Razaleigh said he wants to see whether all the people who offer themselves (as posts) will be able to manage Umno the proper way.

“As a party, we are still a strong force.

“The party’s general assembly or members, who are given the right to vote, will determine the party’s future direction,” he said.

On the level of support from party grassroots, Tengku Razaleigh said he was only getting sporadic support from the people.

“I have a sense that there is a call that we need to rebuild the party. No reason why we can’t do that, starting with 54 MPS and base that we have...we are all over the country,” he said.

On whether he was 50/50 or unsure on the decision to contest, Tengku Razaleigh, more fondly known as Ku Li, said he doesn’t do 50/50.

“If they ask me to jump, I jump,” he said.

On whether he was willing to become the opposition leader in Parliament, the veteran politician said if need be, he’ll lead the opposition again.

Tengku Razaleigh faced off with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the first time in 1987 for the election of the Umno president's post.

On the possibility of a “rematch”, the Kelantan prince said, “If it happens, just my luck,” he laughed.

“He (Dr Mahathir) is a very special man. He is an old friend,” he said.

He added that he loved the party no matter what people say about it.

“I have no ambition. I fought Dr Mahathir in 1987, as Musa (Tun Musa Hitam) did not want to, and persuaded me to accept the challenge.

“Now I am 81, and there are so many young talented people who are better educated and better exposed.

“It is their time as they are future of country,” he said.