Umno polls: Zambry pulls out of VP race

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir (pic) has withdrawn from the contest for an Umno vice-president's post following a discussion with party leadership.

“As the Foreign Minister, I have many responsibilities and there is a lot on my plate.

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"I am also Barisan Nasional secretary-general and want to focus on strengthening relations among component parties as well as among Barisan and other parties in the unity government," he said on Monday (Feb 27).

The Umno elections will run until March 18, with the branch annual delegates' meetings and Wanita, Youth and Puteri branch committee elections having just concluded on Sunday (Feb 26).

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Elections for the three vice-presidents' posts as well as for supreme council positions will be on March 18.

The top two positions of president and deputy president will not be contested this time.

In May last year, Umno amended its constitution to allow party polls to be held within six months after the conclusion of the 15th General Election.

Umno had postponed its party elections for 18 months after the 2018/2021 term ended on June 30, 2021, which meant party polls for the 2021/2023 term should have been held before Dec 30 last year. However, the polls were postponed.