KUANTAN, 10 Sept 2008: Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob today announced that he is not contesting the Umno Youth chief post in the party elections in December.
The decision, he said, was made after thoroughly considering the matter In the past two weeks.
"There is a possibility that I will lose, but winning is also not impossible. So I have come to the conclusion not to contest for fear that I’ll win.
"If I win, I’m afraid that I’ll not be able to shoulder the responsibilities because of time … (but) energy, ideas and age wise, I’m still strong," he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting here.
Adnan said his concern was not being able to concentrate on matters pertaining to running of the state while at the same time busy with political work, if he wins the Umno Youth Chief post.
He said only two people – Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Jerlun Member of Parliament Datuk Mukhriz – should vie for the movement’s number one post.
On former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad rejoining Umno, Adnan, who is the party Pahang liaison chief, said he welcomes the move.
"It is not that he has done a big mistake. He left the party on his own will. If he wants to rejoin, it will be much better," he added.
He said it would be better for Mahathir to criticise and give his views to strengthen Umno from inside the party, according to party channels. – Bernama
