EIGHT candidates are in the running for the three vice-president posts in the ongoing Umno elections.

Two of them are incumbents Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also higher education minister, and Padang Terap MP Mahdzir Khalid.

Three other candidates are Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said, former Kepala Batas MP Reezal Merican Naina Merican and Umno Supreme Council member Johari Abdul Ghani.

Also contesting are Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, former Johor menteri besar Hasni Mohammad and Mohd Yusof Musa Jamaludin, a member from the party’s Iskandar Puteri division.

Their candidacies were announced in a ceremony at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur tonight. Also present were Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his deputy Mohamad Hasan.

Some 95 people are eligible to stand for the Supreme Council, including party secretary-general Ahmad Maslan, Jelebu MP Jalaluddin Alias, Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir and International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Meanwhile, Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad will be up against veteran politician Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who is looking to make a comeback in front-line politics.

Rosni Zahari, the Wanita Barisan Nasional communications director, will be challenged by Penang Wanita Umno chief Norliza Abdul Rahim for the deputy’s position.

There are four candidates for Umno Youth chief: Paya Besar MP Mohd Shahar Abdullah, Merlimau assemblyman Muhamad Akmal Saleh, Supreme Council member Armand Azha Abu Hanifah and Meor Hassan Mat Ali.

Four more candidates are to contest the number two position, including Mohd Nazifuddin Mohd Najib and Johor Youth chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.

The race to lead Puteri Umno will involve six candidates: vice-chief Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi, Supreme Council member Khaidhirah Abu Zahar and the wing’s secretary Nurul Hazwani Mohd Fauzi.

Meanwhile, Zahid, in his speech, hoped that the party elections will run smoothly according to the guidelines set, in line with the aim of making Umno stronger.

He also stressed that the polls were crucial as those contesting are representing the party. – Bernama, March 2, 2023.