NAJIB'S WIN WILL PROVIDE NEEDED LEADERSHIP STRENGTH

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- United Malays National Organisation (Umno) vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin has regarded Najib Razak winning the party presidency unopposed as providing the strength of leadership needed so that Umno is not seen as being in disharmony and divided.

He said the outcome proved that Najib had the vote of confidence from the
party members based on his wisdom and capabilities shown as the deputy to Prime
Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"I expect the rest of the divisions (which have not held their delegates'
meetings) will give their backing to Najib as we want see him as a leader who
has received the full support of members at all levels, as the party president."

Speaking to reporters at an Aidilfitri (celebration to mark the end of
fasting month, Ramadan) Night organised by the southern state of Johor Malays
Association, here, Muhyiddin added that he was confident Najib could lead the
party and country after the Umno elections in March.

"The important thing now is how we can help him...the leadership,
especially at a time of global economic crisis...how to activate the economy.
This are some of the challenges of his (Najib's) leadership," he said.

On nominations for his own candidacy for the Umno deputy president post,
the International Trade and Industry Minister said he hoped to continue to get
support from the divisions which had not held their meetings.

Muhyiddin has so far received 77 nominations compared with Melaka Chief
Minister Mohd Ali Rustam's 31, Regional and Rural Development Minister Muhammad
Muhd Taib's 26 and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul
Samad's one.