UMNO vice-president Mahdzir Khalid has announced he will defend his post in the coming party election.

The former rural development minister announced his decision to go for the position for a second term in the capital today. 

“Umno is currently in a challenging situation. I want to continue the struggle together in the leadership ranks to help the president and deputy president, armed with my experience at the federal and state levels,” he said at a press conference at Seri Pacific Hotel. 

The former Kedah menteri besar first won his seat in 2018. 

The other two incumbents are Khaled Nordin and former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Khaled confirmed his decision to defend his seat but Ismail has yet to make an announcement.

Others vying for a vice-presidential position include Supreme Council members Zambry Abdul Kadir, Azalina Othman Said and Johari Abdul Ghani, and Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Former Johor menteri besar Hasni Mohammad and Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin are also said to be joining the fray. 

Umno is holding polls for its 191 divisions and 22,000 branches nationwide.

The positions of president and deputy president will not be contested in line with a resolution on the matter at the party’s last general assembly. – February 23, 2023.