Not all in UMNO are the President's men

Today, I sat through party President, Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s opening speech at the UMNO General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, and I want to share some observations I think you may find interesting.

Let us not focus on what Najib said, but more on how others reacted to his speech.

Specifically, the reactions of his party comrades, namely Deputy President, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and Vice President, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

Since, we are talking about this duo, why not throw Najib's harshest critic, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad into the mix as well.

I’ll begin with the flag-waving.

In general, watching the entire assembly, some waved their flags enthusiastically, while others, less so.

So how did these three seasoned politicians wave their flags during the playing of the party's and Barisan Nasional's anthem?

My first observation was that the trio seemed to wave their flags at a similar pace. Nothing weird about that.

Shafie waved his flag in short, precise strokes in both directions. Muhyiddin and Mahathir waved theirs in slow, assured strokes, both with sombre looks on their faces.

But while I can’t read too much into their flag-waving prowess, the strain on their individual relationships with the party’s top man was on show when none of them stood up as Najib emphasised the need to be loyal to the party leadership.

As Najib made such points, Shafie looked relaxed, Muhyiddin's face seemed grim, and Mahathir's expression was one of bemusement.

It seemed to me that none of them were impressed by Najib's words, which inspired some delegates to cry out 'Hidup Presiden!' (Long live the President!).

Then, near the end of Najib's speech, when he stressed the importance of keeping UMNO strong, the trio stood up and joined the chant of 'Hidup UMNO' in the packed hall.

My summary: Muhyiddin, Shafie and Mahathir are true party men. They’re just not the President's men.

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