SUPPORT: Umno leaders say it is a 'manoeuvre' by Ahmad's enemies
KUALA LUMPUR: DATUK Seri Ahmad Said's supporters came out strong in defending their boss, describing reports of an exercise to replace him as Terengganu menteri besar as baseless.In an effort to soothe speculation, Terengganu Umno information chief Senator Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar said party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak had assured the state leadership two weeks ago that Ahmad would not be replaced.
"Najib had told us that Ahmad would not be replaced during the party's supreme council meeting. So who are we going to trust? Rumours or the party president himself?" Rahman was quoted as saying in an online report.
Several state Umno leaders have also voiced their support for Ahmad through the state Umno information blog.
Setiu Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Jidin Shafee said there was no need for Ahmad to be replaced and the matter should not be debated at all.
As for Hulu Besut Umno division chief Nawi Mohamad, the rumour was sparked by those who were against the "current political landscape" in Terengganu.
"The rumour is being spread by someone who is at odds with the harmonious political atmosphere in Terengganu."
A number of Umno leaders familiar with the issue relegated it as a mere "manoeuvre" by Ahmad's enemies. However, party sources yesterday offered conflicting information and affirmed that the baton would be passed within a month, coinciding with the reshuffling of the cabinet.
Umno sources said although two candidates had been named for the job -- Air Putih assemblyman Wan Hakim Wan Ahmad, 45, and Seberang Takir assemblyman Datuk Abdul Razif Abdul Rahman, 49 -- the latter is said to be the favourite.
Sources also claimed Abdul Razif had an audience with the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin before the 13th General Election pertaining to the matter.
The change was meant to consolidate support among local Umno leaders, between factions aligned to Ahmad and his predecessor, Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
Abdul Razif has often been described as a moderate leader acceptable to both factions.
"However it was agreed (among Umno leaders) that whoever the preferred candidate was, the change must not take effect abruptly or risk consequences at the polls," said a party source.
Wan Hakim, the son of former menteri besar Tan Sri Wan Mokhtar Wan Ahmad, is also Barisan Nasional's (BN) whip in the Terengganu state assembly.
Abdul Razif is chairman of the state science, energy, green technology, water, technology and innovation committee.
Due to his portfolio, he has been dubbed the "state scientist" among certain Umno circles.
Both Wan Hakim and Abdul Razif are master's degree holders.
Sources said despite his exemplary performance as a menteri besar, Ahmad could not run a tight ship, which led to the narrow win of Terengganu in the 13th General Election, in which BN won 17 state seats against the opposition's 15 seats.
"When Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was temporarily appointed as state Umno liaison chief in 2009, it was noted that Ahmad should be given a chance to lead the state.
"However, undercurrents of dissension proved detrimental as shown in the general election results (due to lack of unity).
"Unfortunately, a change of leadership was suggested to rectify the situation in Terengganu."
It was also alleged that an agreement was signed amongst Ahmad, the top Umno leadership and the government over the change of leadership.
"But no one really knows about the agreement or what kind of an agreement it is," said another source.
Meanwhile, Ahmad when met after chairing the state executive councillors' meeting looked upset when approached by the media on the matter.
"I know people have been talking about that (on his possible replacement) but I do not want to comment."
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