KUANTAN: Umno's recent cleansing exercise could pave the way for the resurgence of the next generation of new leaders, including former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's son, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin to throw his hat in the ring for the Umno polls.
Political analyst Professor Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood said he believed that Nazifuddin's aspiration to secure the Umno Youth deputy chief post must not be taken lightly as the Olympic Council of Malaysia secretary-general has a fighting chance to win.
"There are several factors that put Nazifuddin in the running, including Umno's internal exercise (cleansing) which could see the emergence of new and potential leaders coming forward in the party polls. Then, the Najib sentiment as some of the former prime minister's supporters might want to see his son one day stepping into his shoes.
"In Umno, there is still some support leaning towards the former Pekan member of parliament (Najib) despite his current status. These sentiments towards Najib could turn into support (votes) for Nazifuddin. Never underestimate his chances," he said when contacted.
Nik Ahmad Kamal did not rule out the possibility that the sentiment shown by Umno members towards 'Bossku', referring to Najib, might play a vital role on Nazifuddin's chances saying there will also be members on the fence who could be undecided.
"Nazifuddin's credibility and leadership ability could be a deciding factor as well. He might be young and not tested much in politics, but someone needs a platform to start from somewhere.
"The deciding factors will be sentiment (towards Najib), his own ability and the current Umno scenario. However, he could also choose to contest for Umno Youth executive member first before climbing up the ranks," he said.
Yesterday, Nazifuddin, 39, was reported eyeing to contest the Umno Youth deputy chief post to help the party attract more youths to join and strengthen the party.
Umno is scheduled to hold its party elections to appoint its new office bearers from Feb 1 to March 18.
Meanwhile, Pahang Umno Youth chief Mohd Farid Mohd Nor said sentiment among Najib's followers could provide Nazifuddin the upper hand, but it was not guaranteed that he could walk away with an easy win.
"He has been active in the sporting council and is a big name who is able to attract the support from youths.
"His inclusion might be a breath of fresh air for Umno at a time when people claim that the party has lost its appeal.
"Najib's sentiment might play a role (in his chances to win) but once he has entered the contest, there will be tough competition as some of the candidates have been actively involved in the youth movement and he must be prepared for the challenges," he said.
Farid lauded Nazifuddin's preparedness to challenge for the position and expressed hope that more young people would also contest in the party election in a bid to bring the necessary changes.