KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Datuk Seri Ali Rustam today put to rest rumours that he plans to withdraw from the Umno vice-presidency contest, saying instead that he intends to use the post to fight for Malay rights.
The former Malacca Mentri Besar said that attempts to belittle the rights of the Malays had spurred him on to offer himself as a candidate for one of the three Umno vice-president posts up for grabs.
“I see that we need to continue fighting to defend the position of Malays and Islam in the country, as is enshrined in the constitution.
“Now many quarters especially the Opposition such as DAP and NGO Dong Zong memperkecilkan (belittle) the rights of the Malays and rights of the Muslims, there’s a need for us to continue to fight,” he told reporters after submitting his nomination form this afternoon.
He dismissed reports that he might withdraw from the race that already has five other contenders as mere “speculation”.
He also disagreed that there were plans to sabotage him.
