KUALA LUMPUR: Nine Umno leaders are said to be vying for the three vice-president positions in the party's upcoming election.
A source told BH that former prime minister and the most senior incumbent vice-president, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, will not be defending his post.
Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and former Padang Terap member of parliament Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, are expected to defend their positions as vice-presidents.
"The remaining seven candidates are among the members of the Supreme Council," the source told the Malay daily, adding that the last day for submission of forms would be Feb 23.
The seven Supreme Council members said to be running for the three vice-president posts include Law and Institutional Reform Minister, who is also Pengerang MP, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said; Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani; Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail; and Lenggong MP Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
Additionally, former Johor Umno chairman Datuk Seri Hasni Mohamad, former Kepala Batas MP Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, and BN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir are also said to be in the running.
The source stated that former Wanita Umno Chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil is expected to contest for the top position in the women's wing, Wanita, and is likely to face incumbent Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, who is hoping to defend her position.
For the Puteri Umno chief post, the source listed six names, including Lembah Pantai Puteri Umno Chief Dr Masliha Harun; Puteri Umno Deputy Chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi; and Supreme Council member Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar.
"The other candidates are Kuantan Puteri Umno Chief Cik Fadwah Anuwar (also known as Wawa), Pandan Puteri Umno Chief Wan Noor Akyilah Wan Kapuddin, and Puteri Umno Assistant Secretary Asuma Beevi Mohamed Sali," the source said.
As for the Youth Chief post, Umno Youth Secretary Datuk Hasmuni Hassan and Supreme Council member Datuk Armand Azha Abu Hanifah have expressed their intention to run, while Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has yet to express his intention to contest.