KUALA LUMPUR: Gua Musang member of parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah today announced his decision to contest the Umno presidency in the upcoming party polls later this month.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Jalan Langgak Golf here, Tengku Razaleigh said he made the decision after taking into account various issues in the party, especially that of the Umno leadership.
He is expected to send in his nomination papers before the submission deadline tomorrow.
“I humbly offer myself for the post. I am confident I can lead Umno to perpetuate its rich tradition in politics and multiracial leadership. This is to ensure that we become a responsible opposition to the people.”
Tengku Razaleigh, who is fondly known as Ku Li, once served as Finance Minister from 1976 to 1984.
The 81-year-old veteran politician is one of the longest-serving MPs after successfully defending the Gua Musang parliamentary seat, which he first won in 1974, in the 14th General Election.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is carrying out the duties of party president, is the only other party leader who is vying for the top post.
Tengku Razaleigh held special prayers on Hari Raya eve seeking guidance on the way forward.
He said he believed that younger people should take charge of the party to lead it into the future.
This is Tengku Razaleigh's second attempt at the Umno president's post.
He cemented his name in Malaysian politics when he challenged Dr Mahathir for the Umno presidency 31 years ago.
The latter, who was then serving his first tenure as Prime Minister, managed to retain his position, leaving Tengku Razaleigh unsatisfied with the results.
The dispute that ensued caused Umno to split into two separate entities.
The split forced the court to declare Umno an illegal organisation. Shortly after the court ruling, Dr Mahathir re-established Umno as Umno Baru.
Tengku Razaleigh, at the same time, went on his own path and founded Parti Semangat 46 in 1989.
Meanwhile, Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa and for Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan recently announced their decision to run for Umno deputy president's post.
Present during Tengku Razaleigh's press conference were former Johor MB Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and former Second Finance Minister Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani.
Additional reporting by Nazura Ngah, Ahmad Suhael Adnan
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