PETALING JAYA: Zambry Abdul Kadir has withdrawn from the race for the post of Umno vice-president.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general said he made the decision after discussions with the party’s top leadership.
He said he wants to focus on his duties as foreign affairs minister and his role as the BN secretary-general.
“There are many foreign affairs matters that I need to look into,” he said in a Facebook post.
“I also want to focus on strengthening ties between BN parties and the parties that are part of the unity government.”
However, Zambry said he will contest for a seat on the Umno Supreme Council.
Of the three incumbent vice-presidents, Mahdzir Khalid and Khaled Nordin are seeking re-election, but former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has decided against doing so.
The other candidates for the three vice-president’s posts are Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani, Pahang menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said, former Johor menteri besar Hasni Mohammad, Supreme Council member Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, and former housing and local government minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
The Umno elections will commence on March 11, with the Wanita, Youth and Puteri leadership posts being up for grabs, while division officials, vice-presidents and members of the Supreme Council will be elected on March 18.
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