THE move by three Umno leaders to contest in the 15th general election either on the opposition’s ticket or as an Independent candidate will not affect Barisan Nasional’s (BN) chances in the polls.

Dismissing the matter as “not a big issue”, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said the numbers involved are small and called on the party machinery to focus on helping the coalition towards victory for the people and political stability.

“Only three (rebelled). Just a few. The rest are okay. They (contesting on the opposition’s ticket or as an Independents) are those who are either on their eighth term, lost in their bid for the (party) division head posts or some other issues that need not be mentioned here,” he told Bernama after a meet-and-greet session with the Chinese community in Benut, Pontian.

“We are not expelling them on purpose, eight terms comes to about 40 years. Annuar Musa also has served for eight terms but he continues to lend his support (despite being dropped as a candidate) and that is good.

“The same with Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz and Noh Omar who continue to back the party.

The three-term incumbent Pontian MP said there are still opportunities for those not selected as six more states – Kelantan, Kedah, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Selangor and Penang – have yet to hold elections.

“So for Umno leaders not selected as parliamentary candidates, who continue to be loyal, the party leadership may still consider them to contest in the state elections… it’s not the end of the road for them,” he said.

Caretaker federal territories minister and incumbent Arau MP Shahidan Kassim and incumbent Maran MP and caretaker deputy housing and local government minister Ismail Abd Muttalib, who reportedly joined PAS, are defending their respective seats on the Perikatan Nasional (PN) ticket in the November 19 polls.

Another Umno leader and deputy minister, incumbent Padang Besar MP Zahidi Zainul Abidin, is defending his parliamentary seat as well as contesting the Titi Tinggi state seat in Perlis, both as an Independent candidate.

Ahmad hoped the Pontian constituents will continue to support and vote for BN for continued development in the area.

“I have taken care of my constituency the best I can. I return here every week without fail, regardless of whether I was an MP or not,” he said.

Ahmad is involved in a four-cornered fight against PN’s Isa Ab Hamid, Shazwan Zdainal Abidin (Pakatan Harapan) and Jamaluddin Mohamad (Pejuang). – Bernama, November 6, 2022.