Zambry withdraws from Umno veep contest, citing duties as foreign minister

KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir has withdrawn from contesting for an Umno vice-president post in the party election next month.

Zambry announced the decision in a Facebook post last night after taking into consideration his official duties as the country’s foreign minister.

“There are many foreign affairs and matters that have to be managed to uphold Malaysia in the international stage. It also brings the image of Umno which I represent in the unity government,” he said.

According to Zambry, he also wanted to prioritise strengthening interparty ties within BN and between parties in the unity government.

Nonetheless, Zambry said he will be defending his post as a member of Umno Supreme Council in the Umno 2023-2026 term election.

“I express my gratitude and appreciation to my friends in the divisions which have expressed their support for me,” he said.

On February 24, Zambry announced that he was running for the vice-presidency in the party’s election.

The annual Umno branch level delegates conference as well as elections for Wanita, Youth and Puteri branch wings were held from February 1 to 26.

The Wanita, Youth and Puteri division elections will be held nationwide simultaneously on March 11.

Umno division delegates meetings and elections of Umno Supreme Council members will be held simultaneously throughout the country on March 18. – Bernama, February 27, 2023