Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam is the latest to join the race for the Umno No 2 post, reflecting growing sentiment that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will carry through with a plan to step down by March next year.

"I am ready to contest as long as there is a vacancy for the deputy presidency of the party, I offer myself," Mohd Ali, who is also one of the party’s three vice-presidents, was reported as saying by Bernama today.

umno supreme council special meeting 260809 ali rustam The 59-year-old is the second in as many days to throw in his hat for the post currently held by deputy premier Najib Abdul Razak. Former Youth chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday confirmed his candidacy.

Under pressure to quit in favour of his deputy, the 68-year old Abdullah has promised to let the nation know whether or not he will defend the Umno presidency by Oct 9.

A decision not to contest would clear the way for Najib to stake his claim for the top party post - throwing the deputy presidency open to competition.

By tradition, the Umno president becomes the country’s prime minister and the deputy president becomes the deputy premier.

Muhyiddin keeps cards close to his chest

International Trade and Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who has kept his cards close to his chest, is also expected to offer himself soon - making the No 2 post a potentially close and heated three-cornered fight.

Of the three, Muhyiddin - who like Mohd Ali is also an Umno vice-president - is regarded as having the best chance.

In fact, there are some party watchers who believe the 61-year-old may even be able to give Najib a good fight for the top post.

Currently, only Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has confirmed his interest to contest the presidency. The Umno veteran is not expected to beat Najib, unless he is able to team up with a very strong No 2.