Kelantan Umno chief Mustapa Mohamed has confirmed that he would not be running for the party presidency in the coming party polls, ending days of speculation.

Instead, he is considering to perhaps defend his position as a supreme council member.

Mustapa, who is more commonly known as Tok Pa, stated that he was not convinced that he possessed the strength and energy to run for the presidency, nor for the posts of deputy president or vice-president.

The Jeli member of Parliament was responding to encouragement by several quarters to run for the top post, including several youth groups in Kelantan.

Mustapa is also Kelantan Umno liaison committee chairperson.

"I thank all my friends that have encouraged me to contest in Umno and I have discussed (about contesting) and informed them that I do not have the physical ability, finances, the stamina and spirit to contest the highest posts in the party.

"I am considering maybe contesting for a supreme council post, but I have not registered as a candidate," he said during a press conference at the 'Makan Colek Bersamo Tok Pa' event at the Kelantan Darul Naim Media Club (Kemudi) in Kota Bharu, Kelantan last night.

The former minister stressed that what was even more important in the contest for the top posts was the restructuring of Umno to ensure its longevity.

Umno, he said, must rise up stronger following the party polls, and that it was up to those who would be given the mandate by the members to ensure that it did.

"We do not want a weak Umno after the (party) polls. If after the election, Umno is weak, then our life is over.

"This is an important event that could signify Umno's revival, and Umno must be able to restore its spirit and strength," he said.

He also stressed that the endeavour would be wasted should those with questionable leadership be elected into the top leadership instead.