He announced this at a press conference at his Langgak Golf residence here today.
“I made this decision in the interest of Umno as a national political party which upholds aspirations to promote unity among the races and harmony as the core of the nation.”
He also said he wanted to ensure that Umno could play its role as a responsible opposition.
He added that Umno would continue to protect the interests of the Malays and respect the multicultural nature of society to maintain harmony.
Former Johor menteri besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin, was at today’s press conference, as well as former second finance minister Johari Ghani, who will contest for the three vice-presidents’ posts.
Asked if he had endorsed any of the other candidates, Tengku Razaleigh said: “We are working as a team, we are offering ourselves as members.”
Tengku Razaleigh said he was confident of restoring Umno’s credibility and position as the leading party in Malaysia.
“At the moment we are the single biggest representation in the parliament,” he noted. Umno has 54 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, while PKR has 50 and DAP 42.
“Umno is sensitive to political reality post GE14 and will adapt to ensure we remain relevant, he said. Under his leadership, Umno would adapt if necessary.
On whether Umno would work with PAS, Tengku Razaleigh said “we will cross the bridge when we get there”.
Tengku Razaleigh’s announcement of his candidacy confirmed the growing expectation that he would enter the contest for the party leadership in the wake of the resignation of Najib Razak after the party’s defeat at the general election.
Former deputy prime minister Zahid is the only other candidate who has announced his intention.
Nominations for the party elections close tomorrow, with voting taking place on June 30. The elections are the first in almost three years after the party successfuly obtained extensions of its election deadline.
Supreme Council member Mohamad Hasan, former menteri besar of Negeri Sembilan, and Umno information chief Annuar Musa have also announced their intention to contest for the deputy presidency.
Vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein has announced he would not contest any post, sharing the responsibility for the party’s defeat with his cousin, former president Najib Razak.