Former Malacca chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam (pic) might drop out of the hotly contested Umno vice-presidential race.
Utusan Malaysia reported that Mohd Ali, 64, was considering it because of the number of candidates interested in filling the three posts.
Incumbents Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein are defending their posts and contesting as a team.
Also in the fray are Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad.
Speculation is that Mohd Ali is withdrawing because he is close to former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is Mukhriz’s father.
His withdrawal, it is said, will boost Mukhriz’s chances of being elected.
However, when contacted by Utusan, Ali neither confirmed nor denied the speculation.
“I have no comment, just wait tomorrow (today),” he told the daily.
But The Star Online, quoting a source, said that Mohd Ali would be contesting and was on his way to the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur to file his nomination papers.
He is expected to arrive at around 1pm. – September 21, 2013.
