Ismail Sabri not defending his Umno veep post

"Yes."

He said this to Malaysiakini when contacted today.

While Ismail Sabri has confirmed to not defend his seat, his decision might paved the way for other candidates, who had been eyeing on his position.

Among Umno members who had confirmed to contest for the seat are Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, former Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad and Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

The Malay party has set to hold its party election on March.