Asyraf announced his candidacy today, to fill the position being vacated by Khairy Jamaluddin, who will contest one of the three vice-presidents’ posts.
Umno’s party elections are to be held this year. The nomination process began yesterday, with all positions open to contest. Nominations will close on June 17.
In a statement today, Asyraf called for the renewal of Umno, which suffered major losses in the general election, and said changes must begin with younger leaders taking up the challenge.
Asyraf, a former lecturer at the International Islamic University of Malaysia, had been a deputy minister in the previous government, in charge of Islamic affairs.
Last week, in a press interview, he said Umno’s defeat in the general election, could be a blessing in disguise, and called for self-reflection and for party leaders to avoid finger-pointing.