Shahrir supports Muhkriz's decision to contest for Umno VP

The head of the Johor Baharu Umno division, Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad is supporting Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir's decision to contest the post of Umno vice-president in the party election next month.

He said the party election system that was open would encourage more young leaders to join the party leadership lineup in future.

"I welcome Datuk Mukhriz's decision (to contest) in the election this time. The election system now is more open, unlike previously where there was a quota and this had created problems," he said.

He said the election without nomination and quota would enable changes to be made in Umno.

He was asked to comment on the matter after opening the JB-ASEAN Trade and Business Expo 2013 at the Persada International Convention Centre, here today.

The three-day expo, which is being participated by 13 countries including Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, offers more than 200 products and services to visitors.

Organised by the Johor Baharu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCCI), the expo, among other things, aimed to promote local products and create business networking between local and international players.

The Umno election will see a six-cornered fight for the post of vice presidents involving the three incumbents, namely Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal who are being challenged by Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, former Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, and Mukhriz.