ALOR SETAR, March 7 (Bernama) — Former Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said today that his decision to contest the Alor Setar UMNO division chief post had nothing to do with the possibility of being a candidate in the upcoming state election.

Ahmad Bahshah, 73, said he wanted to offer his experience to help strengthen the party, especially the Alor Setar division, during the upcoming state election and the 16th general election.

“I don’t have plans to contest in the elections. I’m already 73, I have nothing to prove, I don’t want anyone’s post nor do I want to contest in the state election.

“It’s because there are people asking, especially at the branch level, and the Alor Setar division chief post is vacant, that’s why I’m contesting. If there was an incumbent, I wouldn’t run,” he said here today.

Ahmad Bashah was Alor Setar UMNO chief till 2018, when Datuk Mohd Yusof Ismail won. Mohd Yusof’s membership has been suspended for six years starting last year.

Alor Setar UMNO deputy chief Zambri Mat is currently filling the post, and he has confirmed that he will be running against Ahmad Bashah during party elections on March 18.

Meanwhile, Zambri admitted that he was surprised by Ahmad Bashah’s decision to stage a comeback in politics, especially in Kedah, but welcomed the challenge.

He said he was contesting to bring change to the division and hoped to win back the hearts of youth so they would support the party in the upcoming election.

“At 44, I feel responsible to prove that UMNO can still attract support from youths. I have my methods and approach to attract their interest as the previous general election was a wakeup call to UMNO to rejuvenate the party,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency