Former Umno Youth chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has pulled out from the race for the deputy presidency, making room for vice president Muhyiddin Yassin to tighten his grip on the No 2 post.

ahmad zahid hamidi Najib's former political secretary, Ahmad Zahid cited party unity and respect for the deputy prime minister as reasons for his withdrawal.

“I wish to state my support and undivided loyalty for Najib, who has been given the trust by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take over the party leadership,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

His surprise entry into the fray last week had sparked talk it could dim Muhyiddin's chances, upsetting the latter's supporters who feared that Najib might support Zahid, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

Field getting crowded

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had yesterday announced he would not defend the Umno presidency, clearing the way for Najib to move up the ladder, and in turn leaving the No 2 post open to contest.

Still in the chase for second most powerful post in the party are information chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib, vice-president and Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam and Pulai division head Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

Party watchers said they would not be surprised if other Umno leaders previously tipped to join the No 2 bandwagon, such as vice-president Mohd Isa Abdul Samad and Foreign Affairs Minister Rais Yatim, changed their minds now that Zahid had withdrawn.

"Zahid's pulling out confirms that Najib will team up with Muhyiddin," a party watcher said. "So they might feel it would be better to focus on the three vice-president posts."

Zahid himself is now contesting for one of the vice president slots.

"I appeal for support and nominations from the grassroots during the divisional delegates meetings for only the vice president post," he said.