KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Umno executive secretary Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan has dismissed rumours that his party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will forego contesting the Bagan Datuk parliamentary seat.

Mohd Sumali said there was no official word from Ahmad Zahid and that such rumours were mere political propaganda in the run-up to the 15th general election, Umno Online reported today.

"I’ve never heard such a rumour and there is no official statement from the president,” he was quoted as saying.

Several news outlets reported that Ahmad Zahid will not defend the Bagan Datuk federal seat which he has held for the past four terms.

It was also reported that Ahmad Zahid intended to pass the baton to either his daughter Nurulhidayah or one of his senior aides.