Tengku Zafrul, who is the international trade and industry minister, said he wanted to build his political foundation and ensure long-term success.

“I humbly offer myself to contest for a seat in the Umno Supreme Council with the hope that I can contribute further to the development of the party,” the senator was quoted as saying by Astro Awani.

Tengku Zafrul had contested the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat for Umno in the recent general election (GE15) but lost to Pakatan Harapan’s Dzulkefly Ahmad by 1,002 votes.

He said the increasingly dynamic political landscape had created the opportunity for healthy competition.

He also said Umno was an experienced party with leaders who were mature in facing the challenges in the current political landscape.

“I believe that Umno leaders and grassroots want to see a combination of a more dynamic leadership with diverse backgrounds to strengthen the party after GE15,” he added.