BESUT, Sept 22 — Incumbent Besut Umno division head Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said he declined to defend the position as nominations closed yesterday to allow young blood to lead the party and gain experience.

“I want change that would invigorate the party in line with the prevailing scenario that shows the young generation becoming more inclined towards politics,” he told the media here today.

The post that Idris had held for 13 years since 2001 would be a toss between Hulu Besut assemblyman Nawi Mohamad the division deputy head and Jerteh state assemblyman Muhamad Pahemi Yusof the division vice head.

However, Idris who is also Second Education Minister has joined the race together with fellow Terengganu leader and Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek for the Umno Supreme Council seats. — Bernama