I THINK Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s challenge to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is futile.

Democratically, he is exercising his right. He thinks Abdullah is weak but he still has sizeable support.

I cannot see how Tengku Razaleigh can mount a sustainable challenge as I don’t see many in Umno supporting him.

Although Umno, the backbone of Barisan Nasional, suffered heavy defeats in the last general election, its members are united.

Although I believe Tengku Razaleigh should be allowed to challenge Abdullah, he must first reflect on whether it is a good idea.

My concern is the effect it will have on Umno and the Malays. Adversaries will look at the challenge as a sign of weakness within Umno and that Abdullah is not getting the full support of Umno members.

What is worse is that since Umno represents the majority of Malays, it will be looked upon as if Malays themselves are not united.

Tengku Razaleigh must look at the bigger picture. He must consider all aspects of the challenge rather than challenge for the sake of a challenge.

MOHD GHAZALI OSMAN, Ipoh

Source: NST – March 24, 2008