Former Deputy Health Minister Suleiman Mohamed has stepped down from his post as head of Umno’s Titiwangsa division, a position he held for 23 years.

suleiman mohd According to Mstar Online , his position will be filled by his deputy Johari Abdul Ghani.

Johari said he received an official letter on the matter from Umno headquarters today.

“Yes, it is true, Suleiman ( right ) let go of his post, so from tomorrow onwards, I will be acting division chief of Umno Titiwangsa,” he was quoted as saying.

Mstar said Suleiman, whose tenure was to expire in 2012, stepped down earlier in order to make way for newer faces to lead the Titiwangsa division.

Speculation had been rife since last week about the resignation.

Suleiman was said to have submitted a letter to Umno president Najib Abdul Razak and Federal Territories Umno liaison chief Muhyiddin Yassin.

Suleiman, who had held the position of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for two terms, had denied the speculations.

He had won the division post uncontested for 23 years.

According to Johari, however, Suleiman’s intention to resign was known as far back as three weeks ago.

“Three weeks ago, Suleiman told me he wanted to step down, saying he wanted to pave the way for the younger generation,” he said.

According to Johari, Suleiman had also informed the heads of the branches, youth, women’s and Puteri division wings about his decision.