Crowded race for next head of state post
As published HERE http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/
By Michael Kaung
KOTA KINABALU: The race to become Sabah's next Yang Di-Pertua Negri (head of state) is on and jostling to be the next resident of the Istana on Signal Hill is an unprecedented number of senior politicians.
After enduring years of the cut and thrust of state politics each of these politicians are hoping to wind up their days in absolute comfort in the Istana which overlooks the city.
Chief Minister Musa Aman, 59, Deputy Chief Minister Yahya Hussein and Parliament Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia are among the top three contenders for the post with the impending retirement of Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah, whose term comes to an end on Jan 1, 2011.
The other contenders
Another in the running is Yahya, the minister of agriculture and food industry.
"Yahya has climbed as high as he can in government. He is unlikely to become the chief minister. He only managed to get picked (in the 2008 general election) at the last minute after some table thumping.
"He knows his chances of being nominated in the next election are slim. He's going on 60 now. He will be more than happy to settle for the head of state post which comes with prestige and wealth… he can look at being head of state for two terms… in effect 10 years.
"That will be a great way to retire… get the highest award in the country and rub shoulders with the royalty," said the observer.
Yahya's candidacy, however, is hampered by the fact that he is a state assemblyman and his resignation and elevation to the head of state post would force a by-election.
Those in the know are also speaking of him being the next Speaker of the state assembly.
"Who's next (for the head of state post)?… Pandikar. He is also about the same age (57) as Yahya. He has been lobbying very hard for the post. He's had a bypass and is feeling the pressures of continuing as Speaker.
"At one function he even said that because of his name (Pandikar means warrior), he deserves a Tunship. During the recent investiture ceremony at the Istana, word went around that he is among the frontrunners for the post," the source said.
Current State Assembly Speaker Juhar Mahiruddin is also a contender as he is among the least controversial of the frontrunners.
Payback time
Other contenders are former Finance Ministry permanent secretary Yusof Kassim.
Musa owes him for favours done. He gave Yusof two extensions when he retired and word has it that Musa nominated him for the post.
"Mayor Iliyas Ibrahim is also a contender. He's been mayor for two terms already and should be about to step down. Ilias, who's around 60, is a childhood friend of Musa," said the observer.
Also in the running is former deputy president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) AK Aliuddin, 66, the former member of Parliament for Kimanis.
His name was reportedly put forward by Musa's younger brother, Foreign Minister Anifah as a "thank you gesture" for his contribution to Anifah's victory in the last general election.
Apart from the seven, there could be another surprise candidate for the top post who has the blessings of Kuala Lumpur
As published HERE http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/
By Michael Kaung
KOTA KINABALU: The race to become Sabah's next Yang Di-Pertua Negri (head of state) is on and jostling to be the next resident of the Istana on Signal Hill is an unprecedented number of senior politicians.
After enduring years of the cut and thrust of state politics each of these politicians are hoping to wind up their days in absolute comfort in the Istana which overlooks the city.
Chief Minister Musa Aman, 59, Deputy Chief Minister Yahya Hussein and Parliament Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia are among the top three contenders for the post with the impending retirement of Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah, whose term comes to an end on Jan 1, 2011.
The other contenders
Another in the running is Yahya, the minister of agriculture and food industry.
"Yahya has climbed as high as he can in government. He is unlikely to become the chief minister. He only managed to get picked (in the 2008 general election) at the last minute after some table thumping.
"He knows his chances of being nominated in the next election are slim. He's going on 60 now. He will be more than happy to settle for the head of state post which comes with prestige and wealth… he can look at being head of state for two terms… in effect 10 years.
"That will be a great way to retire… get the highest award in the country and rub shoulders with the royalty," said the observer.
Yahya's candidacy, however, is hampered by the fact that he is a state assemblyman and his resignation and elevation to the head of state post would force a by-election.
Those in the know are also speaking of him being the next Speaker of the state assembly.
"Who's next (for the head of state post)?… Pandikar. He is also about the same age (57) as Yahya. He has been lobbying very hard for the post. He's had a bypass and is feeling the pressures of continuing as Speaker.
"At one function he even said that because of his name (Pandikar means warrior), he deserves a Tunship. During the recent investiture ceremony at the Istana, word went around that he is among the frontrunners for the post," the source said.
Current State Assembly Speaker Juhar Mahiruddin is also a contender as he is among the least controversial of the frontrunners.
Payback time
Other contenders are former Finance Ministry permanent secretary Yusof Kassim.
Musa owes him for favours done. He gave Yusof two extensions when he retired and word has it that Musa nominated him for the post.
"Mayor Iliyas Ibrahim is also a contender. He's been mayor for two terms already and should be about to step down. Ilias, who's around 60, is a childhood friend of Musa," said the observer.
Also in the running is former deputy president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) AK Aliuddin, 66, the former member of Parliament for Kimanis.
His name was reportedly put forward by Musa's younger brother, Foreign Minister Anifah as a "thank you gesture" for his contribution to Anifah's victory in the last general election.
Apart from the seven, there could be another surprise candidate for the top post who has the blessings of Kuala Lumpur
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