Malaysian polls a family affair

Malaysian voters will see familiar names on the March 8 ballot, with a record number of second-generation candidates contesting, including the son of former premier Mahathir Mohamad.

Mukhriz Mahathir an influential businessman, will stand as a candidate for the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) on his father's home turf in northern Kedah state.

The 44-year-old Mukhriz is no rookie on the political scene, having served as a committee member in UMNO's youth wing. His father, who ruled for two decades until 2003, said he will steer clear of his son's political career.

"No, I will not campaign. I give him my blessings," the state Bernama news agency quoted him as saying.

"It is up to the people who are going to vote ... I cannot just say my son is powerful, strong, brilliant and all that," he added.

Also joining the fray is Nurul Izzah Anwar, the 27-year-old daughter of political dissident Anwar Ibrahim, who will vie for a seat for the opposition Keadilan party.

Nurul Izzah's participation has triggered speculation that she will stand aside in favour of her father if she wins. Anwar was sacked and jailed for corruption in 1998 and cannot stand for office until April.

The son-in-law of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the hugely influential Khairy Jamaluddin, is also making a much anticipated foray into elections, running in western Negeri Sembilan state.

Lim Guan Eng, son of outspoken parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang will also be in the race, while Gobind Deo Singh, son of the chairman of the opposition Democratic Action Party Karpal Singh, will compete, too.

Mahathir was not pleased with the trend.

"I do not want the people to say that I am setting up a dynasty," he said. "We should not have a dynasty in our country's politics."

Others who have succeeded their parents in Malaysian politics include deputy premier Najib Razak, son of the nation's second prime minister Razak Hussein, and Education Minister Hishammuddin, son of third prime minister Hussein Onn.

Agence France-Presse - 2/24/2008 9:18 AM