Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir officially announced that he will be contesting the vice-president post in the Umno party election this October 19.
This raises the total of those contesting for the post to six, including the three incumbents.
Mukhriz said the decision was made after taking consideration of opinions and advices that he received from various quarters including state Umno leaders.
“I have thought about the timing and high responsibility of each post. I have asked myself whether I am ready. I have considered this from every angle,” he said during a speech to Umno Kedah members at the Menteri Besar’s residence today.
Mukhriz is the third person who announced to contest for the post after Datuk Seri Ali Rustam and Tan Sri Abdul Isa Samad.
Mukhriz has never held a position in the Umno Supreme Council before. During the 2009 Umno election, he lost to Khairy Jamaluddin in their tussle for Youth Chief post.
Meanwhile, Mukhriz also hoped that the contest would turn out well, without any incidents that may tarnish Umno’s strength and good name.
He also sought the blessings and prayers of every member of UMNO Kedah and hope to have their undivided support.
Mukhriz also announced that Kedah Umno want Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to remain as the party’s President and Deputy President as they “team up well and should be given 100 per cent support”.
"If there are those who wish to challenge (the President and Deputy President), Kedah Umno will unite to defend both our leaders," he said.
On another matter, Mukhriz announced three Kedah leaders from Kedah who are now in the Supreme Council that wish to defend their position, namely Datuk Seri Mahadzir Khalid, Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim dan Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.
Besides that, Mukhriz also revealed that Tan Sri Badruddin Amiruldin will defend his post.
Nomination of candidates for the Supreme Council post will be held on September 28 and the election will take place on October 19, while the General Assembly is scheduled in early December.
Astro Awani
Thu Sep 19 2013
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