Umno Youth vice-chief Aziz Sheikh Fadzir's decision not to get involved in speculations about the challenge for the wing's top post has earned him respect among its members.

Instead of getting involved, a source close to him said Aziz was doubling his efforts to strengthen Umno's machineries in Kedah to face PAS in the coming general election.

"I think he is well-aware about the speculations. (But) Aziz, who is also Kedah Umno Youth chief, has many responsibilities to shoulder.