BN to boycott Port Dickson by-election 


Asila Jalil Yasmin Ramlan

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says today the Port Dickson by-election is a waste of taxpayers' funds. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, September 24, 2018.

BARISAN Nasional will not contest the coming Port Dickson by-election as a sign of protest, said the coalition’s chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“This means we will not put a candidate to represent BN or on BN’s name,” he said after chairing the Umno political bureau meeting at PWTC today.

The Umno president said the seat was vacant not because of the death of its incumbent and it would cost RM3.6 million to hold the elections.

“We realise the government is also facing financial difficulties, so we hope the money allocated for the by-election can be used for other expenses that will benefit the people.”

He said MIC which has always contested the seat has agreed to stay out.

The Bagan Datuk MP also said the party found it illogical for a seat to be vacated just to fulfil one’s ambition. 

The Port Dickson seat fell vacant after its incumbent, Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, resigned to facilitate PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim’s return to Parliament.

PAS previously said it would field a candidate against Anwar if BN opts out. 

Zahid said BN will not campaign and provide support for PAS if the Islamist party contested in Port Dickson. 

“Our decision is to boycott the by-election and we will not campaign for anyone else,” added Zahid. 

This was not the first time BN boycotted a by-election and he cited the Penanti by-election in 2009 as an example. – September 24, 2018. 

(From left) Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan, president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and secretary-general Annuar Musa at the Umno political bureau meeting today. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, September 24, 2018.


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Comments


  • Good. Let Anwar enjoyed his victory-less bye election.

    Posted 5 years ago by Oli oh · Reply

  • This is until today, one of the most stupidest reasons given by the president for Umno not to contest in the PD by-election.. as a sign of protest?! How stupid?!?

    Posted 5 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply

  • It just shows he doesnt have it in him to lead Umno. Khairy would have made a far better leader!

    Posted 5 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply

  • This. guy is born to a CLOWN

    Posted 5 years ago by HI HI · Reply

  • Zahid should resign

    Posted 5 years ago by HI HI · Reply

  • His name is Zahid Komidi.

    Posted 5 years ago by Chee yee ng · Reply

  • Letting Anwar win the by election and as future PM will make it easier for Zahid to make a pact with Anwar .

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply