Former Second Finance Minister Johari Abdul Ghani today confirmed that he will be running for the Umno vice-presidency in the June 30 party election. 

In a statement today, he pledged to contribute his experience towards the betterment of the party amidst calls for the Umno to reform following its poor showing in the 14th general election last month.

He is the fourth leader to announce his intention to contest the three vice-president posts, after Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, Umno Supreme Council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Perlis Barisan National chairperson Shahiddan Kassim. 

"The calls for reforms in the social and political scenes have been growing and the results of the recent general election stood as a testament to these changing needs and requirements of the nation," the former Titiwangsa parliamentarian said. 

"It is time for us as members of Umno to re-evaluate ourselves and do all that it takes to correct any past mistakes and improve where we are lacking. 

"We need, as a party and individual members, to put our ears to the ground and hear the voices of the rakyat instead of glorifying the accolades of the past," he said. 

He added that Umno could not continue to rehash its old ways and live on expected gratitude.

Instead, the party must appeal to the masses, he said. 

Umno still 'force to be reckoned with' 

It has now become more critical than ever for the party to find its place in the new Malaysia and ensure it remains a relevant factor in the country’s journey towards economic development and becoming a progressive nation, Johari stated further.

"I believe that with Umno’s solid foundation and its marked history of resilience in facing challenges, it is still a formidable force to be reckoned with. 

"With its role as the new opposition, Umno will continue to give voice to the voiceless and continue to champion the needs of the rakyat in facing the challenges in their daily lives," he said. 

Johari joined Umno in 1988 and became its Titiwangsa division chief eight years ago. 

"Just like Umno, I am not ready to quietly fade into the background and I wish to continue to contribute to the party, bringing with me my experience and background as a loyal and long-serving party member."

"There is much work to be done not only for the betterment of Umno/BN but also for the nation in general," he said. 

Following the resignation of Najib Abdul Razak as Umno president after the polls, a number of leaders have stepped up to offer themselves for the party’s top posts.

Rumours have been circulating that former ministers Mustapa Mohamed, Mahdzir Khalid, and Ismail Sabri Yaakob, as well as, former Johor menteri besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin were among those interested to run the for vice-president posts.

Ousted Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Mohamad Hasan, meanwhile, is gunning for deputy president, while the current acting president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is looking to make the presidency officially his.

Nomination for the long-delayed party election has been fixed from June 1 to 17, while voting takes place on June 30.