Kota Tinggi Umno chief Syed Hamid Albar said he will not be defending the post at Umno’s polls in October.

Syed Hamid, who is also Land Public Transport Commission chairperson, said he wanted to make for new faces.

“We must consider that the world has changed, as for those who are not qualified (to contest the post), they should stay out,” he told reporters at his residence in Kampung Jawa in Kota Tinggi.

He made the announcement to give up the post before more 5,000 guests at the open house. Also present were Kota Tinggi MP Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun Narrashid and Sedeli assemblyperson Rasman Ithnain.

Syed Hamid, 69, has been Kota Tingi Umno head since September 1993 and has also been an Umno supreme council member.

- Bernama