KUALA LUMPUR: Having more candidates vying for the post of Umno vice-president is encouraging and good for the party, says Supreme Council member Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
In explaining why he decided to throw his hat into the ring in the upcoming party polls, the former housing and local government minister said competition is a good thing.
“There are many possibilities but I believe in one thing — Umno needs more choices,” Reezal said, after submitting his nomination papers this morning at the Umno headquarters in World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
The former Kepala Batas MP said that given that he no longer holds any government positions, he can give his all in helping Umno through its challenges.
Branding himself as a “moderate”, Reezal also called for all the candidates who are contesting in the party election to ensure the contest remains positive throughout.
Earlier this week, incumbents Khaled Nordin and Mahdzir Khalid were the first to declare their candidacy for the post. They were followed by Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani and Supreme Council member Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
However, the remaining incumbent, former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob, has yet to declare if he will join the race.
Speculation is rife that Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said and Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki were also eyeing the vice-presidency.
Nominations for the Umno elections will close tomorrow.
The elections for Wanita, Youth and Puteri leadership posts will be held on March 11, while division officials, vice-presidents, and members of the Supreme Council will be elected on March 18.