Khairy Says No Preferred Running Mate

(Bernama) — Incumbent Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said he has no preferred running mate in defending the post at Umno’s polls in October.

Khairy, who is also Youth and Sports Minister, said he would be neutral in the matter.

“All four vying for the post (vice head) have their own strengths. They are all my friends.

“Whoever wins, I can work with him,” he told reporters when met at the ‘Merdeka Raya’ Aidilfitri open house hosted by Umno Youth, Wanita Umno and Puteri Umno at the Putra World Trade Centre here Friday.

Prior to this, a local daily had reported that Khairy had endorsed one of the four for the post which will not be defended by incumbent Datuk Razali Ibrahim, who has stated his intention to go for a Supreme Council (MT) seat (at Umno’s polls).

The four in the running are Perak Umno Youth chief, Khairul Azwan Haron; Umno Youth executive council member Lokman Noor Adam; Tenom Umno Youth head Jamawi Jaafar and Lenggong Umno Youth head Mohd Iruan Zulkefli.

The report had said that Khairy was in favour of Khairul Azwan to be his No. 2.

On another matter, Khairy said Umno Youth targetted to have two or three Umno Youth leaders contesting MT seats and that a decision on this would be taken on Sept 4.