'Suicide' for Bung to lead Sabah Umno campaign - Rahman Dahlan

SABAH POLLS | Umno Supreme Council member Abdul Rahman Dahlan has opposed the party’s choice of Bung Mokhtar Radin as director of the upcoming Sabah elections.

In a press conference in Kuala Lumpur late tonight, he expressed concern that the move would backfire on the party.

“It’s a suicidal move.

“No party in the whole world would put someone who has an active court case (and is) attending court cases to become the leader of the party going into the election,” he said.

Elaborating, he said having Bung at the helm would force Umno to be on the “defensive”, “tie one hand behind its back”, “shoot Umno in the foot”, and give rivals in Warisan an issue to use against them.

Bung is facing three corruption charges over bribes totalling RM2.8 million that were allegedly solicited during his tenure as Felcra chairperson.

Earlier today, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Bung has full autonomy to manage the election, including to nominate BN’s chief minister candidate should the coalition win the state election on Sept 26.

Meanwhile, asked if former chief minister Musa Aman would make a better election director, Rahman revealed that the veteran politician had declined the role.

He nevertheless believed there were many other capable and untainted candidates in Sabah Umno.

Autonomy violated, grassroots sidelined

Rahman, who is the Tuaran Umno chief, further claimed that Bung’s selection was not discussed with the grassroots before it was announced.

He characterised the move as an affront to Sabah’s autonomy and an “insult” to Sabahans.

“Putting someone with personal problems to lead the campaign is an insult to Sabahans.

“There is no (other) way to say it, and I want to be blunt.

“Because the message did not get through to the president (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi),” Rahman said.

He was flanked tonight by Sabah Umno leaders from the Putatan, Penampang, Keningau, Beluran, Ranau, Pensiangan, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Batu Sapi and Sandakan divisions.

Sabah Umno Wanita chief Jainab Ahmad Ayid and her deputy Juriah Palasin were also present.

Rahman claimed that none of them had managed to obtain an audience with Zahid despite making the trip to meet him.

Nevertheless, he urged the party president to consider their views on the matter.

Asked if the group would withdraw support from the party should Bung be retained, Rahman said that they would stick on to ensure the party won.

“We will not leave Umno,” he said. - Mkini