Umno supreme council member Nazri Abdul Aziz said it was "okay" for party Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin wanting to rid the party of warlords, but admitted that he is a warlord himself.

"It is very true, there are still many warlords. That's normal in the party.

"It's his opinion. It's okay. No problem. For example, I am a warlord in Padang Rengas. I have been the division chief for 20 years," he told Malaysiakini.

Earlier today, Khairy announced that he was contesting for the Umno presidency and outlined his vision for the party, which included freeing the party from the clutches of "warlords".

Nazri said he will "wait and see" if Khairy can be successful.

"We have to see the results but whatever happens at the top level, I will always be the warlord of Padang Rengas. That is for sure," he said.

A total of seven candidates have filed their nomination papers to contest the Umno presidency but all eyes are on three established candidates, namely Khairy, Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and acting president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

On Khairy's age, Nazri said being "too young" should not be a factor or else there would also be others arguing that certain candidates were "too old".

Nazri said he is a staunch backer of Zahid but welcome all challengers, stressing that Umno was a democratic party.

"I think the contenders have their plan on how to revive Umno and the only way is for them to implement their plan by taking over the top post. I wish them all the best.

As for me, I will go for Zahid and Annuar Musa for unity, stability and continuity," he said.

Nazri lamented about the short campaign period but pledged to help Zahid win.

"I don't know what are his chances but I am supporting him.

"It is a little bit late because we only have 13 days (to campaign) and this isn't very good... but I will call my friends to get support for Zahid," he said.