He submitted his nomination form at the Umno headquarters yesterday, his spokesperson Maj-Gen Fadzlette Othman Merican was quoted as saying today.
Zahid is currently carrying out the duties of party president, following the resignation of Najib Razak after the party’s disastrous outing at the general election. Zahid had already assumed the duties of deputy president, after Muhyiddin Yassin was expelled in 2016.
Supreme Council member Mohamad Hasan, former menteri besar of Negeri Sembilan, has announced his intention to contest to be deputy president. He said he made his decision based on requests from members to take the party in a new direction.
Vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, who is currently carrying out the duties of deputy president, has indicated that he might sit out the elections, according to a news report. However it is believed he might change his mind if grassroots members encouraged him to do so.
Khairy Jamaluddin said yesterday he would relinquish his position as Umno Youth leader and challenge for one of the three vice-presidents’ positions.
“I filled out the online form on the first day of nominations,” Khairy said last night.
Khairy’s deputy, Khairul Azwan Harun, has confirmed that he would contest to be Youth leader.
Another Umno Supreme Council member expected in the fray is Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, MP for Pasir Salak,who has stated his intention to contest one of the top positions. He is expected to name the position today.
“I hope the Umno leadership elected this time around will comprise those who really understand today’s challenges and what needs to be done to face them. To me, the Umno leadership is very important to lead 3.7 million Umno members to continue the party’s struggle,” he said yesterday.