It’s now confirmed. Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam (pic) will be contesting, making it a six-way fight for the three Umno vice-presidents’ posts.
The former Malacca chief minister was all smiles as he walked into the Umno headquarters at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur at 3.45pm, bucking talk that he would not contest.
“I want to contest to champion Malay rights. Lately, there are so many attempts made by the opposition, DAP and racist groups like Dong Jiao Zhong insulting and questioning Malay rights,” he told reporters, taking a jab at the Chinese education group.
“We have 72 hours to withdraw,” he said before going on to file his papers.
Mohd Ali’s decision comes despite a report by Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia today that the 64-year-old might withdraw because he felt there were too many candidates in the race.
The three incumbents, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, are defending their posts.
The other two in the fray are Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad.
Earlier, speculation was Mohd Ali would be withdrawing to boost Mukhriz’s chances. Mohd Ali, who was defeated in the 13th general election, is close to Mukhriz’s father, former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. – September 21, 2013.
MORE TO COME.
