Isa Samad quits Umno to contest in Port Dickson

Kamles Kumar Kamles Kumar Updated 5 years ago · Published on 28 Sep 2018 7:00AM · 6 Comments

Former Negri Sembilan menteri besar Isa Samad says he has a track record in the state, and Port Dickson voters are likely to back him because of that. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, September 28, 2018.

ISA Samad resigned from Umno three days ago to contest the Port Dickson by-election as an independent candidate.

The former Negri Sembilan menteri besar said he quit the party as the top leadership did not get his input on whether to boycott the polls.

“I have resigned as an Umno member because I want to contest. They (the leadership) also did not ask me if I wanted to contest,” he told a press conference late yesterday. 

The former Teluk Kemang Umno chief was not approached by any top leader on his decision to leave the party. 

The only real grouse he had with Barisan Nasional was that the party lost Negri Sembilan in the 14th general election, he said. 

“I am disappointed in Negri Sembilan because we lost. But I cannot hold on to that grudge any longer.”

The former Jempol MP said he decided to throw his hat in the ring because he feels the people of Port Dickson deserve an MP they are familiar with instead of an outsider.

“The Malay votes are not divided. I leave it to them. I am offering myself in Port Dickson.

“I know the people here. I will try to help them. I have been serving them for more than 40 years.” 

Isa was menteri besar for 22 years, between 1982 and 2004.

He was Linggi assemblyman for five terms, and also won the Bagan Pinang state seat in a by-election in 2009. Both seats are in the Port Dickson parliamentary constituency.

Isa was Felda chairman between 2010 and last year, but his tenure was blighted by investigations into allegedly dubious land deals and hotel purchases.

The Port Dickson seat, previously known as Teluk Kemang, fell vacant after Danyal Balagopal Abdullah gave it up to aid PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim’s attempt to return to Parliament.

While BN and Umno have boycotted the contest, PAS has named retired air force officer Lt-Col (rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar as its candidate.

Parti Rakyat Malaysia and independent candidate Stevie Chan Keng Leng are the other contestants.

Nomination day is tomorrow. – September 28, 2018.

Isa Samad says he was upset with Barisan Nasional because of its failure to retain Negri Sembilan in GE14. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, September 28, 2018.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • "Goodboy sit sit"..besides there is no PPBM now in N9..organised choas..lets see if DSAI is indeed PM 8 successor to Tun M..obviously he cant blame the Tun M..magnanimous man..

    Posted 5 years ago by Dr ShahAli Imram Ali · Reply

  • PD move is starting to look more stupid and interesting.

    Posted 5 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply

  • Isa has a smart brain because he dumps the poisonous UMNO logo, and he knows this by-election us not favorable to DSAI as it is engineered. People do not want this election.

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

    • Zahid does not have this foresight. KJ and No. 2 are anytime better than Zahid.

      Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Good move Isa for a person who is known for your money politics and Felda fiasco this act of yours is a perfect fit as this will be your political burial. You are certainly no match to AI although you are a local lad there. We know those who voted for you are indebted to you for the money and to a certain extent some kind of help from you previously. PD was the start of your political carrier for the infamous safe you did for Jibby's dick and it will also be your political closing curtain. God is great.

    Posted 5 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply

    • Don't worry Isa will not win but he can shame the winning party.

      Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply