Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah announced his decision to contest for the Umno presidency at a press conference held at his private residence in Kuala Lumpur June 16, 2018. ― Picture by Azinuddin Ghazali

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah formally announced his intention to contest for the presidency of Malay nationalist party Umno today.

The Gua Musang MP announced his decision at a press conference held at his private residence here.

The 81-year-old politician said he was confident of restoring the credibility and trust Umno lost since the 14th general election.

“As a political party rich with experience, I am confident of leading Umno as well as to ensure that Umno can play a role as a loyal and a strong opposition to the government,” he said.

“I want to make sure Umno can play its role as the Opposition.”

He said he believed Umno would be able to fulfill the role as it was the best represented Opposition party in the Parliament.

The party has 54 federal lawmakers including Tengku Razaleigh.

The Kelantan prince also known as Ku Li will go up against Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is currently acting party president.

Businessman, blogger and political analyst Rahmat Azim Abdul Aziz has also submitted his candidacy for the presidency.

Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa and former Negeri Sembilan MB Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan are both vying to be deputy president.

When asked about his chances, Ku Li said support has been pouring in from party divisions, but did not disclose the numbers.

“The obvious thing is to vote for me and my friends. Why? People are demanding change and we just bring change,” he said.

Also at the press conference were former Johor MB Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin and former finance minister II Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.