Show of support brings no comfort yet to Mukhriz

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir is not letting himself feel comfortable in his bid for the UMNOvice-president's post, despite the encouraging support from party delegates.

Mukhriz, who is also Kedah UMNO liaison chairman, said he was still being cautious.

"I remember in the last election (for Youth chief), I also got that kind of support, but lost.

"That is why I still have to work hard so that the show of support will be translated into votes," he told reporters after the introduction of candidates for the UMNO supreme council seats here Sunday.

Mukhriz said he was offering himself for the party's number three post of the believe that there was something the he could share to give added value to the party, especially to be close to the young voters.

He said there was a need for transformation so that UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) would be better prepared for the 14th general election. On an allegation that there was an instruction for the three incumbent vice-presidents to be retained, Mukhriz said it was a matter for the party delegates to decide.

"This time, 146,500 delegates will. Certainly we cannot control them or order them to vote for certain candidates," he added.

Meanwhile, former Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who is also contesting the vice-presidency post, said all candidates had an equal chance.