Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar has withdrawn from the contest for the Umno vice-presidential elections.

However, the veteran politician said today he would vie for an Umno supreme council seat come the party elections scheduled for Sept 23.

According to Bernama , Syed Hamid said that his commitments as a cabinet minister had led him to make the decision.

He said his duties at the Foreign Ministry has increased following Malaysia's election as the chair of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Apart from these, he added that the load was made heavier by Malaysia's hosting of the Asean summit next year.

"After consultations, deep thought and getting the views of politicians and those outside of politics, I have decided to contest only for a seat in the Umno supreme council," he said.

Party unity

In view of the workload in a vital ministry such as the Foreign Ministry, he felt that serving in the supreme council would suffice.

Syed Hamid said his services were more needed in the supreme council and this was in line with his wish to remain at the frontlines of the national leadership.

The minister said his decision was also in line with his political philosophy to serve in the interest of party unity.

"I wish to contribute not towards my own personal interest but towards the unity and good of the party," he added.

Syed Hamid received 21 nominations for the post of party vice president and 23 for his bid for a seat in the supreme council.

Thus he was qualified to contest for both posts.

Umno has three elected and three appointed vice presidents. It is the elected three who will eventually vie for the president and deputy president posts.

In the race for the three slots this year are incumbents Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Muhiyiddin Yassin and former Selangor Menteri Besar Muhammad Muhd Taib, Melaka Mentri Besar Mohd Ali Rustam, Mustapha Mohamed, former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Isa Samad, Pahang menteri besar Adnan Yaakob and the Backbenchers Club President Sharir Samad.