PETALING JAYA: Former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic) says he has no intention of contesting the coming 15th General Election (GE15) as he wants to give younger leaders in Parti Amanah Negara a chance.

       The Kuala Selangor MP said his intention of not competing in GE15 was one that he had thought long and hard about.

       He added that he had informed his party of this well in advance.

       “I’m ready to give way to the young leaders in Amanah.

       “This is the only way we will be able to get them involved in the next election.

       “This is not a decision I reached overnight,” he was quoted as saying by news portal FMT.

       However, the two-term MP said he would consider throwing his hat in the ring if Umno nominates a “heavyweight” such as Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz for the seat.

       “I’ve said this before, if the party’s top leadership wants me to contest for any reason – such as if a federal minister like Tengku Zafrul or others contest – I will consider competing in GE15,” he said.

       “But, personally, I don’t want to contest again.

       “If he (Tengku Zafrul) doesn’t contest, I will give way to a younger leader,” he said.

       Tengku Zafrul is rumoured to be eyeing a seat in GE15, with talk that he will contest the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat on an Umno ticket.

       It was reported that Entrepreneur Development Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar approached Tengku Zafrul several months ago about coming to Selangor and all options are on the table at this point in time.

       Tengku Zafrul has since been associated with Kuala Selangor in the Malay hinterland where his late grandfather is buried.