KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad told a press conference today that he does not think that his son Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir will secure one of the three vice-president’s spots up for grabs at tomorrow’s Umno polls.

The former party president and ex-prime minister was quoted by The Malaysian Insider as saying, “At most, I rate Mukhriz’s chances as 50-50, as the Kedah mentri besar is not the ‘chosen one’.

“He represents something different and people don’t like change.”

The youngest son (picture) of Dr Mahathir is making a bold move for one of the three coveted positions, which is typically a springboard towards the party presidency.

The 88-year-old continues to wield considerable influence in the party, though both father and son have denied any attempts at creating dynastic rule in Umno.