Ahmad Maslan sits out Umno veep race, making way for 3 Johor contenders

Ahmad Maslan sits out Umno veep race, making way for 3 Johor contenders


Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan will make way for three Johor candidates, including Pontian Umno chief Hasni Mohammad who is in the running for the vice-presidents’ posts.

While sitting out of the vice-presidency race, Ahmad, however, reportedly said he will be challenging Hasni for the Pontian Umno chief post, aside from having previously confirmed that he would be defending his Umno supreme council seat.

"Yes, I confirm I will run for the Pontian Umno chief post and my nomination form will be handed over to the Pontian Umno office tomorrow (today)," Ahmad (above) was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia last night.

The Malay daily also quoted Ahmad as saying that his move will see three Johoreans gunning for the three vice-presidents’ posts - incumbent Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Hasni, who is also Simpang Renggam MP; and the sole woman contender, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said.

"If I join that would make four from Johor, even though I am qualified to run based on my experience in Umno, as party information chief and now secretary-general.

"But I must look at the reality, if there's too many from one state, the chances to win will be slim and votes will be split.

"Those from outside will ask why there are so many candidates from Johor," the Pontian MP reportedly said after a function at the Pontian Umno building last night.

Hasni, a former Johor menteri besar, had led Pontian since 2001, while Ahmad held the No 2 post since 2008.

Aside from the three Johor contenders, also in the race for vice-presidency are incumbent Mahdzir Khalid; Titiwangsa Umno chief Johari Abdul Ghani; Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail; Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir and Umno supreme council member Reezal Merican Naina Merican.