NEGRI Sembilan Umno liaison committee chairman Mohamad Hasan is the first to announce his intention to contest for the Umno deputy president’s post.

The former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar said he made the decision after lengthy deliberation over whether to continue in politics or retire for good.

The Umno Supreme Council elections for the top posts, including that of the president, deputy president and three vice-presidents, will be held on June 30.

“There is also a lot of pressure and support for me to contest the party’s president post. But (after consideration), I think it’s better for me to contest the (deputy president) post to help the party president, who will be elected soon.

“I hope no one will misinterpret this decision, as my intention is only to serve the party and society, as (Umno) is currently drowning,” he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times today.

Mohamad said he will fill the nomination form and submit it online tonight.

Meanwhile, Malaysiakini reported former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as confirming that he will be contesting for the Umno presidency. – June 2, 2018.