Ku Li not contesting in next polls

PETALING JAYA: Umno veteran and Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (pix) will not be contesting in the next general election.  

The 79-year-old former finance minister said that despite his popularity, it is time for him to step aside.  

He said he had brought up his decision several times at the monthly meetings of the Gua Musang Umno division but the majority of the members did not accept it.

“I said that I cannot live forever, I have been here too long … I have been an elected representative for 45 years, while I have headed the Umno division for almost 60 years.  

“I am almost 80 years old, I can no longer bear the responsibility of being an elected representative and the time has come for someone else to replace me,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.  

He added that he had informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak of his decision and that it was made known to his constituents before the 13th general election.  

“But the majority still want me to continue leading Umno (Gua Musang) and remain an elected representative as they are afraid that the constituency will fall into the hands of the Opposition,” he said.  

However, he said this is unlikely as long as there is unity and cooperation.