KUALA LUMPUR: Johor exco Mohd Hairi Mad Shah has confirmed that he will be contesting for the Umno Youth deputy chief post at the party elections next month.

In a statement today, the Johor Umno Youth chief explained that the decision to contest was made after discussing the matter with the 26 Umno division youth heads in the state.

"I am officially offering my candidacy for the Umno Youth deputy chief's post," he said via a Facebook post today (Feb 3).

Earlier, a news portal had reported Hairi's intention was well received by his family and party leadership.

"Insya-Allah, I will work towards ensuring that Umno Youth is able to maintain continuity and relevance especially with regards to the youth wing that is vocal in speaking up for the welfare of the people," he said.

Hairi won the state seat of Larkin during the Johor state elections, held in March last year.

So far, apart from Khairi, Mohd Nazifuddin Najib, who is the son of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, has also offered himself for the post. It is also expected that other youth leaders will be announcing their candidacy soon, including Umno Youth exco Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz.

The incumbent Umno Youth deputy chief, Shahril Hamdan will not be defending the post nor taking part in the party polls following his suspension from the party.

The Umno elections for the party's state committees and its three wings - Youth, Wanita and Puteri will be held on March 11.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/02/876178/hairi-mad-shah-run-umno-youth-deputy-chief-post