In that year, Dr Mahathir was challenged for the party presidency by Tengku Razaleigh.

ECONOMIST: Malaysia: A prince of a problem | The

My successor (Tengku Azmil Zahruddin Raja Abdul Aziz) is a great person and had been groomed to take over.

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"It will be hard work for Tengku Razaleigh, but he can deliver the goods, " says Razaleigh associate Rais Yatim.

CNN: PARTY ON THE MOVE

Although Tengku Razaleigh won his own seat, he failed to deliver the state.

ECONOMIST: Malaysia: A prince of a problem | The

The names most often mentioned as possible contenders for the deputy presidency are Najib and former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Ham-zah.

CNN: No More Mr. Nice Guy

Abdullah wants to tap into that vein of dissatisfaction before any rival for the deputy's post such as Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah does.

CNN: The New Malay Dilemma

His other main rival, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, was not given a ministry.

CNN: Stirred But Not Shaken

Adding to the occasion, former heavyweight Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah rejoined UMNO after an eight-year split following his bid to unseat Mahathir in 1987.

CNN: Straight from the Heart

But once Dr Mahathir does finally retire, will Mr Badawi, his chosen heir, be strong enough to fend off potential challengers, such as Tengku (Prince) Razaleigh Hamzah, from Kelantan, or the defence minister, Najib Tun Razak?

ECONOMIST: But the government faces an anxious future

Former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, a onetime rival of Mahathir who once bolted UMNO but has since returned to the ruling camp, has been given the task of winning back Kelantan, currently ruled by the opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia.

CNN: PARTY ON THE MOVE