KUALA LUMPUR: It is learned that some within Umno are trying to persuade Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi not to take part in the coming 15th general election.

If they are successful in persuading the party president, a major announcement is expected to be made tomorrow.

A source close to Umno said secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan would likely follow the president’s footstep to announce he also would not contest in the election.

“For sure there’s a deal for that, but it has nothing to do with Ahmad Zahid’s court cases.”

The source said the deal could have something to do with party elections after GE15.

Meanwhile, the source confirmed that caretaker health minister Khairy Jamaluddin would run in Sungai Buloh.