Former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed that he will be contesting for the Umno presidency.

Meanwhile, former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Mohamad Hasan will be contesting for the deputy president post.

Utusan Malaysia reported that Mohamad made the decision after taking into consideration the demands of Umno members and the party's future post-GE14.

"I will submit my nomination online this evening.

"I will ensure that Umno gets a second life and returns to its foundations in order to restore the pride and honour of race, religion, and country," he was quoted as saying.

Mohamad is the first Umno leader to announce his intent to contest for the deputy president post, currently held temporarily by former defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

It is unclear if Hishammuddin would be taking part in the Umno polls. One party insider said he would not.

Bernama additionally reported Hsan saying his intention was to help Umno stay afloat.

“I hope my intention to contest will not be misinterpreted, as it is merely to serve the party, the community and the nation, and so that the party will not disappear from the radar.

“I hope I can play a role in helping the party president to restore the fighting spirit and role of Umno in the country’s politics,” he told the media after officiating the Tadarus Quran event organised by the Welfare Association of Wives of Senior Government Servants and Elected Representatives of Negeri Sembilan (Pekerti) in Seremban today.

Mohamad, who is also former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, said that if given the mandate by party members, together with his colleagues in the supreme council, they would re-empower Umno.

“With the experience I have in governing the state and in the corporate sector, I am confident, with other party members, we will be able to revive Umno,” he said.