The Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chief said he wanted to make way for the younger generation.

“You must trust the young. I cannot be like Lim Kit Siang, go on and on. I also can’t just give the position to my son or my daughter,” he quipped, alluding to the DAP supremo.

He also said he would not be standing in the next General Election.

Asked if he had any suitable candidate in mind, the 66-year-old Umno veteran said the party had many.

Shahrir’s involvement in politics began in 1973 when he became former Deputy Prime Minister Musa Hitam’s political secretary. In 1978 he contested and won the Johor Baru Parliamentary seat.

He has served as minister in various portfolios, including Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.

On a separate matter, Shahrir said PAS’ new alliance with Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan) was a positive move that would contribute towards a more mature political landscape.

He also said the concept mooted by the new Opposition bloc was similar to the one practised by Barisan Nasional (BN).

“PAS’ move to have a more inclusive pact is good for our national politics.”

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Ikatan President Kadir Sheikh Fadzir announced the new alliance at a press conference today. The two parties will work together to face BN and Pakatan Harapan in the next General Election.