KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — The three incumbents of Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein retained their Umno vice-president’s posts in today’s party elections, in a result that appears to signal an endorsement of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s leadership.

Crucially Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir’s failure to win a VP spot marked his father Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s waning influence in the party he led until ten years ago.

Tonight’s results also showed Zahid’s increasing popularity in Umno, and suggest members approved of his more nationalistic and conservative policies as home minister. This could push the party to the right even as it struggles to regain the middle ground in national politics.

Mukhriz picked up a respectable 92 divisions in today’s vote.

As at 2:30pm today, front runner Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had picked up 188 votes, followed by Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal with 177 nods from the divisions.

The third incumbent, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, got 101 nods.

Former Malacca chief minister Datuk Seri Ali Rustam received seven votes while former Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Tan Sri Isa Samad had polled eight votes.

Earlier Zahid thanked the grassroots members and his Bagan Datoh division for their trust in returning him as Umno vice-president.

“I thank everybody in the machinery, my friends who have helped me and the delegates who have put me back among the Umno leadership,” he said.

Shafie said he was humbled by the strong support he received.

“It is also important that whatever the outcome of this election, we close ranks, maintain unity so that Umno emerge stronger than before,” he added.

Some 146,000 delegates voted in a total of 191 Umno divisions today.

Mukhriz’s campaign was mired in controversy yesterday after it became the subject of reports alleging money politics. He was also hit by rumours that he was disqualified over the claims, as propagated by a fake Facebook account purported to belong to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Party president Najib and his deputy Muhyiddin were returned unopposed.