A website closely linked to Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo today confirmed that he would not be contesting for the Umno Youth chief post.

Selangor Daily.com

also dismissed the speculations on this issue as an attempt to create animosity between the menteri besar and incumbent Youth chief Hishamuddin Hussein.

Initially there was widespread speculation that Khir was vying for the post. Later it was reported that he would only contest if Hishamuddin stood for vice-presidency thus leaving his Youth chief post vacant.

However, rumours of a showdown between the two intensified when Khir refused to confirm or deny if he would contest should Hishamuddin decide to remain.

Containing support

"Umno members in Selangor were already getting used to such politicking, either from within or outside the party.

"Until today, Dr Mohd Khir is not interested to contest the Umno Youth chief post. Doesn't matter what, he would not contest," the website said.

It also alleged that reports posted on the Internet regarding the matter were aimed at containing support for Khir among supporters of the Youth chief and his deputy Abdul Aziz Sheikh Fadzir.

"All these are aimed at weakening the support for Dr Mohd Khir within the movement. That is why this issue was only confined to the oppossition-linked websites, and not any Umno-linked websites.

"Their next move is to put him and the other Umno Youth leaders at loggerheads. It would not work...," said the website.

Malaysiakini

has also reported extensively on the contest.

Selangor Daily

claimed that these reports had actually helped Khir gain more support, especially in his state.