Umno Pekan division chief Najib Razak has called for support towards BN's candidate in the upcoming Chini by-election despite the announcement that the vacant seat would not be contested by his son, Nizar Najib.
In making his appeal, the former premier also took a swipe at senior Harapan leaders whose children had allegedly inherited control of their respective parties.
"My name is not Anwar, Mahathir, nor Kit Siang, and Umno is not a party owned by any one family," Najib (above) said.
"It would be best if we gave the opportunity (to contest) to other Umno leaders there who are more qualified," said the Pekan MP.
Taking to Facebook, Najib said there was no doubt that Nizar was qualified to contest the state seat based on his position as Pekan Umno Youth chief, leadership experience, and academic background.
He further noted there had been many voices of support for Nizar from those within Pekan Umno and their BN counterparts.
"But my personal stand is, there are other Umno leaders here who are at par or more appropriate than Nizar to be the Chini by-election candidate.
"Furthermore, it would be very awkward if Nizar was to win and my son becomes an Adun under a parliament seat where I am the MP," said Najib.
"I have also discussed my stand with Nizar and he agreed, and in fact, he is firmly behind plans to back the chosen candidate.
"Thank you Nizar for your patience and showing the qualities of a leader," said Najib.
With that in mind, Najib hailed Pekan Umno committee member Mohd Sharim Md Zain, who was announced as BN's candidate. Mohd Sharim is a local Felda native who is a former officer to the late Chini assemblyperson Abu Bakar Harun.
"We are very confident in Mohd Sharim's capabilities and that he would serve the people well if chosen as Chini assemblyperson," Najib added.
Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu had previously announced that they would not be fielding any candidates in Chini.
Bersatu disciplinary board chairperson Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas yesterday said that the party's Pekan deputy division chief, Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin, stands to lose his party membership "automatically" following the latter's decision to contest as an independent candidate.
The Chini seat fell vacant after the incumbent from Umno died of a heart attack last month.
In GE14, Abu Bakar garnered 10,027 votes to win the seat with a 4,622 majority against PAS’ Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim and PKR’s Mohamad Razali Ithnain.
Nomination day is this Saturday while early voting is on June 30. - Mkini
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