Pic NSTP

KUALA LUMPUR: Incumbent Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today officially announced that he is defending his post in the upcoming party election.

The Higher Education Minister and Kota Tinggi member of parliament is the first of the three incumbent Umno vice-presidents to confirm defending his post.

In a clip shared on his Instagram account today, Khaled said he wanted to contribute towards the party’s recovery efforts and restore confidence among the people towards Umno, which suffered badly in the 15th General Election (GE15).

“I am aware that I am offering myself as a candidate at a time when the party is not in its best position and is seen as being far away from the hearts of the Malays.

“Nevertheless, I want to work closely with the party leadership and I am determined to restore the people’s trust towards Umno.

“Since the party is in a weak position, it is important for all of us to unite and work together to rebuild the party,” he said.

At the end of the clip, Khaled was seen holding his nomination papers to defend his post in the party’s polls.

“I hope to obtain the support from all of you (party delegates) to allow me to continue with my efforts to chart the direction of our party,” he said.

Khaled first made known his intention to defend his post in the Umno election early this month.

As of today, none of the other vice-president incumbents — Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid — have confirmed their intention to defend their posts.

Umno election committee chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Samad told Umno Online on Monday that the party has yet to receive applications from members for the three vice-president posts.

Shahrir added that 111 candidates have registered themselves to contest positions in the supreme council, Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri wings. – Adib Povera/NST