And the fight begins

Now that Pak Lah is not defending his post as the president of Umno, the top two posts are now open for contest.

The Malays being feudal, are expected to nominate Najib Tun Razak for president. We're now waiting to see if Umno veteran, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah a.k.a Ku Li is still going for presidency. He has offered to contest against Pak Lah in the upcoming Umno election. But now that Pak Lah has stepped down, we don't know if he's going to support Najib for president or he still wants to contest.

Ku Li made similar attempt in 1987 against incumbent Dr. Mahathir Mohamed then. That has created a fraction in Umno - Team A means you're in Dr.M's camp and Team B means you're Ku Li's men.

Even before 9 Oct when Umno divisions convene to nominate their candidates, three members have offered themselves for the number two post. Meanwhile, Muhyiddin Yassin, one of the most senior vice president is not making any move just yet. Muhyiddin has publicly asked Pak Lah to reconsider the 2010 transition plan because he thinks it's a bit too long.

It's going to be exciting times between 9 Oct and9 Nov. And after that, a very long campaign period leading to the March party election.