Of 1 , 2, 3 : Let the wargames begin...

Now that the numbers are out, let the wargames begin. Some says number 1 got the uummph to always going upwards whilst some believe number 2 represents the duck faithfully follows the leader and some confirmed number 3 means third time lucky. What about number 8? Any good omens there? This is no movie that we are talking about, it's the numbers allocated to the candidates for the upcoming UMNO GA; Deputy President, Vice-Presidents, Youth leader, wanita chief, Putri chief and so forth.

The show must go on. After drawing lots at UMNO hq, the numbers are out. 269 candidates vying for various positions in UMNO, jokeying for the right to be promoted to Ministerial posts, clamouring for the incoming unopposed new UMNO President's attention.

Mar 24 - 28th will be D-days for the contestants when the wargames will end. Watch out for political gimmicks, invitations, visitations, phone calls, house calls and what not. As long as the competition is done in friendly spirit. No spill over of intimate secrets, please. No reruns on the "princess kidnaping", snoop squads, underage girl, broom episode, don't challenge dare, bum pitching, please.

The wargames are necessary for the delegates to assess the potential of next generation UMNO leaders as those elected will be the integral part of UMNO re-branding. Wargames are the necessity to psyche for the coming 2 Bukits and 1 Batang by elections. It will not be surprising if UMNO were to place their candidates for the 2 Bukits - just to prove that UMNO is still relevant to the Malays. Placing MIC candidate at Bukit Selambau may backfire and jeorpadise Samy Vellu's chances to defend his presidencyship in late April. For Batang Air, it is best for BN to let the CM of Sarawak to makes his choice.

On UMNO leadership echelon, the most watched contest shall be the deputy president, the top vote getter for vice president, the youth leader and the wanita chief post. Will the combination 1111 surface? What about 1811? The probable combinations and permutations are there for those who gaze into crystall balls. My call? It will be revealed in due time, starting with perceptions and expectations on the contestants from March 1st onwards...

This is the time for UMNO runners to start trading in the terrace coffeehouses lining the mall. That said, if need be, let the competition starts and ends on a friendly and family orientated. UMNO must know that PKR is hovering in the background, ready to swoop down and grab the prize away...

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...