[UPDATED] GE15: don’t resort to sabotage, ‘cah keting’ over not being BN candidates, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR – Individuals who have been dropped by Barisan Nasional as election candidates should not resort to protesting, “cah keting” and sabotage as they had been given numerous chances and opportunities in the past, said Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In a Facebook post this morning, Zahid said it was not easy to make bitter but firm, brave and wise decisions needed to restore and bring about the rise of Umno and BN.

“If Umno and BN do not make changes now, it may cause the party to fall behind when rival parties make changes, especially among candidates contesting in the general election,” he said.

The voice of the youth, he said, is very important and that BN will have to provide the opportunity for new candidates to contest.

“Those who have represented the people for a long time need to give the youth a voice and chance to take their place and position.

“When those who had been contesting for a long time are also supported by other youth and adults.

“Without this support, they will not be able to be representatives of the people for several terms,” he said.

As such, Zahid advised those who were not selected to adopt the right attitude by accepting it with a big heart, given the opportunities they had received in the past.

“Do not trigger dissatisfaction, anger, protests, cah keting, and sabotage by trying to close elections operations rooms – as well as give statements that damage the reputation of their own party.”

Zahid opined that those who trigger these situations only go to show their true colours and attitude towards the party.

“At this time, loyalty to the party, and closing ranks is more important than moaning when not nominated.

“So don’t even think of betraying the party directly or indirectly

“If this happens, it means that they are being ungrateful. They have been relevant all this time, holding positions for so long, because of Umno and BN tickets.

Zahid further emphasised that putting new faces for BN meant that it is part of the coalition’s rejuvenation by ensuring young people’s involvement will not marginalise votes for those under the age of 40.

“We need to accept the fact that those under the age of 39 represent around 50% of voters in this country for the 15th general election.

“As such, we need to make sure that BN’s Puteri and Youth wings are on the right track by being at the forefront. 

“That’s why, for example, Puteri Umno chief, state Umno Puteri chief, and Umno Youth chief were given the opportunity to contest,” he said.

Stressing the need for change, Zahid stressed that while no one is indispensable in politics, everyone is important.

“Those who have been in politics for a long time must give way and become BN’s role models, while the younger ones start to take their places and positions to renew the continuity of future leadership.

Umno’s candidate announcement for the 15th general election yesterday confirms earlier speculation of several big names who are not aligned with the party president being dropped.

Zahid had announced that Marzuani Ardila Ariffin will contest in Ketereh, meaning incumbent Tan Sri Annuar Musa has been dropped.

The announcement got one of the biggest cheers today.

Another party veteran, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim of Arau has also been dropped, with the party opting for Rozabil Abd Rahman.

Zahid also dropped Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as Pasir Salak candidate in Perak, and likewise removed Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba from defending Tenggara in Johor.

Another name on the hit list leaked earlier is Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, who was dropped from Kota Tinggi in Johor. Instead, BN will field Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Also axed was incumbent Padang Besar incumbent Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, as Puteri Umno chief Datuk Zahida Zarik Khan was chosen to defend the seat for the party.

Annuar, Adham, Shahidan and Halimah had been ministers in caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s cabinet, while Zahidi was a deputy minister.

Another deputy minister dropped from the candidate list is Datuk Seri Ismail Abdul Muttalib who was Maran MP. Datuk Seri Shahaniza Shamsuddin has been picked instead to defend the seat for BN.

In total, seven of the 20 Umno members who previously held ministerial and deputy ministerial roles under Ismail Sabri’s cabinet were overlooked for the coming election. 

One more deputy minister given the boot was Kuala Kangsar incumbent Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid who will be replaced by Datuk Maslin Sham Razman.

However, candidates for five seats were not announced, including for Tanjong Karang, where Tan Sri Noh Omar is the incumbent. 

There had been strong rumours that Noh, another cabinet member in Ismail Sabri’s administration, would be axed as a candidate.

Other seats where candidates were not announced last night are Jempol, Kuala Pilah, Tumpat and Kuala Nerus. – The Vibes, November 2, 2022