BELURAN: Barisan Nasional (BN) is fielding a non-Muslim Bumiputera for the Beluran Parliamentary seat to continue the unique tradition in Umno Sabah of being inclusive.
Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said that is why Sabah BN nominated former Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) President Benedict Asmat, a Christian.
He said even incumbent Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, was a non-Muslim Umno leader (Christian) who was fielded by the party for five terms but is now contesting under Perikatan Nasional (PN) despite Sabah Umno’s insistence that it was their traditional seat.
“That’s why we are not fielding Umno Beluran Division Chief Julie Sabran. We keep it this way to preserve the uniqueness of Sabah Umno unavailable in peninsula.
“We chose Benedict because he is a non-Muslim leader who we are confident can bring about change as there has been no significant development under the incumbent,” he said, at a meeting with the Beluran BN machinery which was also attended by Benedict and Sabah Umno Secretary, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Sunday.
Bung, however, admitted it won’t be easy for BN to wrest the Beluran seat as the incumbent still wants to defend it under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ticket.
Bersatu leaders until 1pm on Friday (eve of nominations) were still negotiating for this seat but I said no because BN must have non-Muslim leaders in Umno and this case in Beluran,” he said.
Bung who is also Sabah Umno Chief is confident that Benedict can eliminate Ronald who, he said, “turned his back on GRS” after submitting his nomination on the Perikatan ticket. Bung said Ronald’s five previous victories were all due to BN’s hard work. “The same people, the same machine, the same logo helped Ronald win five times and now he’s against us.
“So, our task now is to use the same machinery against him. Don’t think about anything else but victory for Benedict,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bung questioned what Ronald had brought to the people of Beluran during his five terms as MP, including as a Minister.
“I see nothing. In Kinabatangan, even though I’m not a (federal) minister there’s more development.
“Benedict deserves to take over Ronald’s duties as MP. He (Benedict) is also from Beluran and I think he is the one who deserves it. So let’s work as best we can to ensure BN’s victory in Beluran,” he said.
He added that if BN wins GE15, he is confident that Benedict will get a place in the federal government.
He BN’s mission in Beluran is going great based on the hard work of BN machineries with cooperation of GRS members such as PBS and Star.
