PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has warned former MPs who have not been picked as candidates in the 15th general election not to betray or slander the coalition.
In a Facebook post, Zahid said that although they may not have been selected, they need to adopt the “right attitude” and accept the decision as they have been given numerous leadership opportunities in the past.
BN’s list of candidates for Peninsular Malaysia, which Zahid unveiled last night, contain a number of new faces and omit several long-serving MPs holding ministerial positions.
“Do not show dissatisfaction or anger, protest, slander, sabotage, close operation centres or issue statements that damage the party’s reputation,” the Umno president warned 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.
“It shows they are ungrateful, having been relevant and holding position in Umno and BN previously.”
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.