Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir today said that he had his parents' blessings to contest for one of the three Umno vice-president seats at the party election next month.

NONE"I have met with them and my dad (former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, left) left it to me to make the final decision, but he did give his advice and opinion based on his experience in contesting for the vice-president post.

"However, this year's election will be decided by 146,500 delegates. No more nomination system. There's a big different between his (Mahathir) time and the current situation," he said.

Mukhriz, who is Kedah Umno Liaison Committee chairperson, was met at the ceremony to introduce Jerlun Umno candidates for the divisional elections at Wisma Umno Jerlun, 30km from Alor Setar, yesterday.

Apart from Mukhriz, former Melaka Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam and Felda chairperson Isa Samad are also vying for the Umno vice-president posts, while the three incumbents - Mohd Shafie Apdal, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Hishammuddin Hussein - have made it clear that they will defend their seats.

Mukhriz said if he won the contest and joined the other two vice-presidents, they would definitely have something to offer to the party based on their experiences in solving people's problems at the grassroots.

"It's not about policy or policy-making, but it's a responsibility to solve the people's problems, as well as poverty and employment issues depending on financial ability, human capital and the many aspects that have to be taken into account.

"In this aspect, my experience as a menteri besar, although only four months, is really needed at the central level. I'm confident that I can contribute by sharing my opinions and experience because I have came across many situations that demanded immediate decision," he added.

- Bernama