Hishammuddin considering staying out of upcoming Umno party elections

UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has told his inner circle that he will not contest for any senior post in the coming party elections.
According to a report in Sin Chew Daily today, the news, which started to make its way around on Wednesday, has set tongues wagging among the party grassroots.
However, there is also talk that Hishammuddin is just testing the waters before deciding his next move regarding the party polls.
According to the report, following Barisan Nasional's rout in the 14th general election and in view of the latest developments regarding his cousin, former premier and party chief Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, Hishammuddin was down-hearted and it would not come as a surprise should he decide not to go for any senior post.
"But if the party grassroots appeal to him to contest one of the top posts and to lead the party, there is a likelihood that he might change his mind about not going for a senior post," a source close to Hishammuddin said.
The source said although the former defence minister has no intention to contest a senior post, he would defend his Sembrong division chief post.
If news of him staying away from the contests for the top party posts is confirmed, it would put to rest talk that he would team up with Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin to contest the top two positions.
The source said Hishammuddin would announce his decision soon.
Of late, there had been calls for Hishammuddin and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is currently performing the duties of the party president, to make way for a new leadership to carry out party reforms and recovery plans, in addition to suggestions for Hishammuddin to move up and lead the party.