The Ku Li Factor

Summary of biodata:

• Kelantan political figure
• Uncle of the current Raja Perempuan (Kelantan Queen)

source; ptjkk.kelantan.gov.my

• Finance Minister during 1980s
• Won Parliamentary seat of Kelantan barat in 1969 General Election
• 1971, he was elected to the UMNO Supreme Council
• 1975, elected as a Vice-President of UMNO

• Hussein Onn appointed Ku Li as the Finance Minister in 1976 after PM Tun Abdul Razak's death.
• People say that BN won the 1978 general election (pawned PAS in that one) because of his shrewd planning.
• Ku Li lost to Musa Hitam for the post of deputy prime minster and deputy President of UMNO by 205 vote majority (722 to 517 defeat).
• 1987, chalenged mahathir for PM post.

SEMANGAT 46

• Lost and formed Semangat 46 in 1989.
• 1996 rejoined UMNO and disbanded Semangat 46.

• 2004 chalengged for the post of PM again- failed to garner enough support.
• 2008 chalenging PM Abdullah Badawi for the post of PM - wanted to have EGM on the 11th of May 2008.
  

• Mahathir gave support for the EGM proposition but probably having mixed reactions towards the notion of Ku Li becoming the PM replacing Badawi.

Why People are supporting him:-

• He is a senior Politician and Parliament member since the 1970s
• One of the pioneer of Petronas, which is now one of the most successful company in Malaysia.

• Have experience as Finance Minister and known to be boldly chalenge the top position members.

Why people are not so positive about him:-

• Feel like he is being an opportunist - offering himself at the time of crisis and not making any mitigating actions.
• Age factor- he is 71 years old (although he looks very healthy), people are aware of his old age
• Have strong racial sentiment and known to openly give racial speeches - thus not so fond among the indian and chinese community
• Some say his vision for the nation is outdated, and not up to the beat.