Umno divisions free to nominate candidates: Musa
KOTA KINABALU:
All the 25 Sabah Umno divisions are free to nominate their choice of candidates for the Party elections in December. Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Musa Aman, however, stressed that all branches and divisions must conduct their meetings in an orderly fashion and in accordance with Party rules and regulations. “What is important is for Umno to be strengthened in the State,” said the Chief Minister after chairing the State Liaison Committee meeting for the first time at its new multi-million ringgit two-storey building here yesterday. Musa said that at the meeting, he stressed on the importance for all Umno elected members to continue to work hard in their constituencies in view of the mandate given by the people. During the meeting, Sabah Umno fully endorsed its undivided support for Party President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the light of current political developments, including Sabah Progressive Party’s push for a vote of no-confidence against Abdullah who is also the Prime Minister. On whether he will be defending his Supreme Council post or planning to seek a higher post in the Party, Musa said that it was too early for him to decide. The Umno branch meeting is scheduled to be held between July 17-Aug 24 while the divisional meeting is from Oct 9 to Nov 9. There are over 5,000 Umno branches in Sabah from the 25 divisions. “I am confident that everything (meeting) will all be in order, God willing,” he said. On another development, Musa, who is also the Sabah Barisan Nasional Chairman, disclosed that none of the Umno leaders will be ditching the Party for the Opposition. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Deputy President Dr Syed Hussin Ali yesterday claimed that 10 Members of Parliament from Sabah and Sarawak will be joining the Opposition’s camp soon, stressing that it would then lead to a change of Government. “They can claim whatever they want. They have been dreaming of forming a new Government so let them be. “What is more important is for the Government’s elected representatives to play their role and fulfill the promises made to the people,” Musa reiterated.
