UMNO secretary-general Ahmad Maslan has decided not to go for one of the three Umno vice-president positions in the imminent party polls, news reports have said.

Utusan Malaysia reported that Ahmad’s decision came after three senior figures from Johor threw their hats into the ring.

Ahmad, the MP for Pontian, reportedly said that he made the decision after considering his slim chance of winning, given that he would be the fourth candidate from this state.

“I am indeed qualified, because I have been in Umno for a long time.

“I was once information chief and now I am secretary-general.

“I have to look at the reality, if there are too many from one state, the chances of winning are slim and it will split the vote.

“Parties outside will also see there are so many candidates from Johor,” he was quoted by the Malay-language daily.

However, Ahmad does intend to stand for Pontian division chief and the party’s supreme council.

Currently, Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad, Higher Education Minister and incumbent vice president Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said have put themselves forward.

Meanwhile, incumbent Mahdzir Khalid, Umno Titiwangsa leader Johari Abdul Ghani, Pahang Chief Minister Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir and Reezal Merican Naina Merican have all joined the fray, making eight candidates combined.

Reezal is also a serving member of the Umno Supreme Council.

As of yet, former prime minister and incumbent party vice president Ismail Sabri Yaakob has made his intentions known.

Deputy Interior Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah has already withdrawn from the race. – February 26, 2023.