KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 — Umno Youth secretary-general Datuk Hasmuni Hassan has announced his candidacy for Umno Youth chief in the coming party election.

Hasmuni said at the top of his to-do list would be winning in the 16th general election with youth support.

"That is why my team comprises a line-up of future Umno Youth leaders who are aged 40 and below.

"As for the executive council posts, they will include those aged between 20 and 30,” Hasmuni told reporters here today.

He added that he hopes to restore confidence in youths so that public support returns to the party.

He was referring to Umno’s dismal performance in the 15th general election which resulted in the loss of all its strongholds.

"Why have I chosen this line-up? I did this based on their support of the party and the work they have done to put Umno back on the right track,” he said.

Hasmuni added that no faction within the party had influenced his decision to stand for the Youth chief post.

"This team has the spirit to rise again, and that spirit was ignited after we lost the 14th and 15th general elections and will continue to strive.

"There are no pro-president issues or any groups in Umno,” he said.

When asked about contenders such as Umno supreme council member Datuk Armand Azha Abu Hanifah, he said he respects other candidates as it is part of the democratic process that those with the right criteria can stand for election.

Armand had last month made known his wish to contest the Youth chief post in the upcoming party election.

Hasmuni’s Youth wing leadership line-up are Larkin assemblyman Hairi Mad Shah for vice-chief, Merlimau assemblyman Dr Akmal Saleh for secretary-general, Mohd Naim Mokhtar for treasurer and Mohd Sollehin Mohamad Tajie for information chief.