KU LI TO VIE FOR PRESIDENCY
He will submit nomination papers today
GUA Musang member of parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah yesterday announced his decision to contest the Umno presidency on June 30.
Speaking at his home in Jalan Langgak Golf here, Tengku Razaleigh said he made the decision after taking into account the issues in the party, especially the Umno leadership.
He is expected to submit his nomination papers before the submission deadline today.
“I humbly offer myself for the post. I am confident I can lead Umno to continue its rich tradition in politics and multiracial leadership.
“This is to ensure that we become a responsible opposition.”
Tengku Razaleigh, fondly called Ku Li, served as finance minister from 1976 to 1984.
The 81-year-old politician is one of the longest-serving MPs after defending the Gua Musang parliamentary seat in the 14th General Election.
He first won the seat in 1974.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is carrying out the duties of party president, is the only other leader vying for the post.
Tengku Razaleigh held special prayers on Hari Raya eve seeking guidance on the way forward.
He said he believed that younger people should take charge of the party.
This is Tengku Razaleigh’s second attempt at the president’s post.
He cemented his name in politics when he challenged Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the Umno presidency 31 years ago.
The latter, who was serving his first tenure as prime minister, managed to retain his position, leaving Tengku Razaleigh unsatisfied with the results.
The dispute caused Umno to split into two entities, forcing the court to declare Umno an illegal organisation.
Shortly after the ruling, Dr Mahathir re-established Umno as Umno Baru.
Tengku Razaleigh, at the same time, went on his own path and founded Parti Semangat 46 in 1989.
Present at the press conference were former Johor menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and former second finance minister Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani.
Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa and former Negri Sembilan menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had recently announced their decision to run for the Umno deputy president’s post.