Tok Pa says no to Umno presidency
KOTA BARU: Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said yesterday he will not contest the Umno presidency in the party election on June 30.
He also made it clear that he would not seek the post of deputy president or vice-president.
Mustapa, affectionately known as Tok Pa, said he would consider defending his position as Umno Supreme Council member.
“I thank my friends who have urged me to contest the party’s top position.
“However, I don’t have the stamina nor finesse to contest the presidency.
“But, I will consider contesting a spot in the Umno Supreme Council.
“I have not signed up as a candidate, but I have informed other state Umno leaders of my decision,” he said at a programme with media personnel here.
Responding to calls for Gua Musang Umno division chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to contest the party president’s post, Mustapa, who is Jeli member of parliament, said the matter had yet to be decided.
“Ku Li (Razaleigh) has not come to a decision nor has he made a stand on this matter (vying for the presidency).
“We held discussions with senior Kelantan Umno leaders and we will ensure that a candidate from Kelantan contests the party president’s post.”
Mustapa said the candidate had to be someone with authority and would unite and strengthen the party.
“We want Umno to emerge stronger and if we choose someone whose authority is questionable, this will undermine efforts to restore the party.”