Politicians in the dominant party of the ruling coalition have begun manoeuvring for position even though elections for the top jobs are still two years away.
Some members of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) are seeking to capitalise on the country's economic crisis to further their goals.
'The economy may be slowing down but the political rumour mill is working overtime,' said a veteran Malaysian analyst of UMNO affairs.
Supporters of rivals of the Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, have been sowing seeds of doubt about his future, while members of Mr Anwar's camp have been presenting him as a more temperate spokesman than premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In turn, the premier's followers have been saying the country needs him to protect it from foreign exploitation.
The machinations have taken place behind a facade of bipartisan backing for Dr Mahathir over foreign suggestions he should step down for his handling of the economic crisis.