Umno president aspirant Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stated that he will not be pulling out from contesting the top post in the coming party polls. 

This comes amid calls by several quarters for the acting Umno president and former deputy prime minister to withdraw from the race to make way for party veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

"There is no reason for me to withdraw," he replied briefly in a text message when contacted by Malaysiakini.

The 81-year-old Tengku Razaleigh, or more fondly known as Ku Li, had officially announced his candidacy yesterday after weeks of speculation.

Following the announcement, there were calls for Zahid to make way for Tengku Razaleigh so that the latter can revive Umno after its catastrophic May 9 general election defeat.

Among those making the call was the Umno Veteran's Club, who had suggested that Zahid run for the deputy president post instead and assist Ku Li.

Beside Zahid and Tengku Razaleigh, little-known businessperson and blogger Rahmat Azim Abdul Aziz is also vying for the top spot.

It was reported today that Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin will also be putting his name in the hat, despite previously stating that he was gunning for the vice-presidency.

Tengku Razaleigh had claimed that he had the support of all 191 Umno divisions.

In his statement yesterday, Zahid stressed the need to strengthen Umno as a team after it lost in the 14th general election.

"The priority of maintaining Umno supercedes positions that will be contested.

"The positions are a responsibility and not a political reward. Umno is now out of power," he had said.