Three sons of former premiers have been elected, appointed or manoeuvred themselves into influential positions in Umno, giving them an edge over the rank and file in the race to climb the party ladder.
Khairy Jamaluddin, 29, the son-in-law of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, was elected deputy president of the United Malays National Organisation's youth wing without contest after other more experienced leaders suddenly and inexplicably withdrew.
'It is unusual in Umno for ambitious contestants to suddenly withdraw to allow another to be returned unopposed,' said a veteran of Umno, the dominant party in the ruling coalition.
'It is his rezeki [good fortune] to be the only son-in-law. We should not begrudge it. He is very talented.'
However, the delegates booed when the Oxford University-educated Mr Khairy's name was announced yesterday as the winner, indicating rank and file discontent.
In contrast, delegates applauded when Mukhriz Mahathir, second son of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, won a spot in the youth wing's executive council after he polled the highest number of votes.
