Age does not count but it is the capabilities of the candidate in shouldering the duties as rakyat representative that is more important, said UMNO vice president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn

Hishammuddin was commenting to reporters at the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) Transformation Open Day on UMNO's choice in naming former Pahang deputy Menteri Besar, Datuk Hasan Arifin as Rompin by-election candidate.

Hishammuddin said if age is taken into account then the decision would be incoherent with UMNO’s wish to rejuvenate the party.

“If the citizens of Rompin believe in the candidate, then they should vote for the candidate. Age is not the main question here,” said Hishammuddin at the launch held at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya today.