Umno VP. Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi thanked party's grassroots members.

Zahid has a healthy lead of 117 votes from 118 division results, ahead of Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (106), Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (65) and Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (53) as of 7.30pm today.

• My son's not the chosen one, laments Mahathir
• Aidila Razak | 5:48PM Oct 18, 2013
• UPDATED 7PM Just like during his reign, the former premier says only those backed by the party?s president are elected, and Mukhriz is not.
• • Who'll win? Team Najib or Team Mahathir?

By Marc Djandji, CFA

In this article, we are examining some of the economic issues facing Malaysia. The country seeks to embark on its various economic development growth strategies, while trying to come up with solutions to resolve its debt woes. This has been quite a challenging task for Malaysian Prime Minister, NajibRazak as he seeks to outline various plans to boost the economy in Malaysia during the upcoming Budget announcement in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for October 25, 2013.

Recently, it was reported that Bloomberg News got an exclusive interview with Prime Minister Najib, which was recorded on October 11, 2013 at Putrajaya. Here Prime Minister Najib was quoted as saying that ?We?re very closely monitoring how we manage our macro position as well as our fiscal and debt to make sure that we will not be downgraded.? This statement was made as Malaysia has been facing mounting concerns about its debt issues following a Fitch Ratings decision to cut Malaysia?s credit outlook in July, citing rising debt, and lack of budgetary reform. Malaysia, which has a long-term foreign-currency denominated rating of A- at Fitch, has run a continuous annual budget deficit every year since 1998.

Read more at  http://www.asean-investor.com/how-is-malaysia-confronting-its-present-economic-challenges-given-the-recent-global-turmoil/