PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has warned former MPs who were not picked as candidates in the 15th general election not to betray BN or slander the coalition.
In a Facebook post, Zahid said that while they may not have been selected, they should adopt the “right attitude” and accept the decision as they had been given numerous leadership opportunities in the past.
BN’s list of candidates for Peninsular Malaysia which Zahid unveiled last night contained a number of new faces and the notable omission of several long-serving MPs who held ministerial positions.
“Don’t provoke dissatisfaction, anger, protest, slander, sabotage, close operation centres or issue statements that damage the party’s reputation,” the Umno president told those who were not nominated.
“At this time, loyalty to the party and closing ranks are more important than complaining when not nominated.
“They shouldn’t think about betraying the party, directly or indirectly. This will show their true colours towards the party, and the people need to evaluate such political personalities for themselves.
“If this happens, it means they are ungrateful because they have been relevant and holding positions while they were under the Umno and BN party ticket.”
Zahid did not name any of those who were dropped, but last night’s list excluded such ministers and deputies as Annuar Musa, Shahidan Kassim, Dr Adham Baba and Halimah Sadique.
Shahidan, the federal territories minister, yesterday confirmed that he will defend his Arau seat despite being dropped by BN.
According to a Utusan Malaysia report, he said he has yet to decide which party he will contest under but would choose one that is supportive of Muafakat Nasional, referring to the pact between PAS and Umno.
Shahidan, a four-term MP, also called on Zahid to resign as Umno president as he claimed he was causing divisions in the party.
