Despite losing his bid to be one of Umno vice-presidents, Mukhriz Mahathir has pledged to continue contributing towards the transformation of the party.

NONEMukhriz, who is Kedah menteri besar, said he could still contribute in his capacity as the state Umno liaison committee chairperson.

"I don't think that with the results I'm suddenly totally out of the picture. It's my hope that party president (Najib Razak) will still consider giving me a place in the Umno supreme council so that I too can contribute towards ensuring we can do better in the 14th general election," he told reporters at the Putra World Trade Centre tonight.

Mukhriz failed to clinch the third vice-presidency slot in a keenly fought battle against Hishammuddin Hussein, garnering 91 votes against the latter's 100 when the official results were announced at about 1.40am.

The outcome saw incumbents Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Mohd Shafie Apdal and Hishammuddin retain their vice-presidency for the 2013-2016 term.

Renewed confidence

Elaborating, Mukhriz said he was satisfied with the results as it gave him renewed confidence about his political future.

"I was pleasantly surprised with what I had achieved considering that I had to compete against the incumbents amid pessimism among some quarters about my candidature.

"It was a tough contest. I had left it to God and accepted the outcome as a blessing in disguise," he said.

On his future plans, Mukhriz said: "I have a very important by-election to manage which is crucial for us. The deputy prime minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) will announce the Barisan Nasional candidate on Monday," he said.

The Sungai Limau by-election will be held on Nov 4 following the demise of its assemblyman and former Kedah MB Azizan Abdul Razak. Nomination is on Oct 23.

- Bernama