"I am acting as the proxy of the grass roots" -- Akhramsyah

Instead, he said he made the announcement of his intention purely based on the demands from the supporters at grass roots who wanted a change.

"I'm not in anybody's camp, but if you want to call me a proxy, then I am acting as the proxy of the grass roots," he told a press conference to announce that he would be contesting for the Umno Youth chief post here today.

Akramsyah, 40, who is the son of former Kedah Menteri Besar and Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, said his intention to contest for the post was endorsed by Kedah Umno Liaison Committee chaired by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

Using the slogan of 'Hidup Melayu', Akramsyah said many of Umno Youth members could no longer see the movement as the pressure agent and fighter for Malay agenda.

"The opinions of my friends, neighbours and supporters revealed that Umno Youth leadership needs a change. So, my family and I have agreed to sacrifice my career and I humbly offer myself (to contest for the post)," said the candidate who graduated in chemical engineering from the Imperial College London.

When asked on his qualifications to contest, Akramsyah said he was confident, he had no problems in that aspect.

"I'm the appointed Umno branch chief who won uncontested and I have been involved in many non-governmental organisations and also a founder of one.

"Organisationally, I have served the same company, managing thousands of workers and contractors, for the past 16 years," he said.

According to Umno's regulations in the contest for the Umno Youth chief post, the candidate must be an Umno member for at least three years and have held a post in divisional Umno committee.

On his chances to win the election, Akramsyah said he was confident to get enough votes as the new voting system would involve more delegates.

"I consider myself as the underdog because Khairy is the incumbent and a minister. However, each candidate has to face the same challenge to get as many votes from the delegates," he said.