Tenggara and Kota Tinggi Umno divisions have come out to demand that their respective MPs, Dr Adham Baba and Halimah Mohamed Sadique, be retained as BN candidates.
This was amid speculation that Adham (above, left) and Halimah (above, right) were among the incumbents that would be axed by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
During a press conference today, Tenggara Umno deputy chief Nasaruddin Ahmad said Adham was the division's only choice for the seat.
He said the science, technology and innovation minister was an attentive MP who looked after all races and was well-liked in the constituency.
Nasaruddin warned that not fielding Adham for a second term could be disastrous.
"I am very worried that if the announcement of BN candidates tonight does not include Adham as the candidate for Tenggara, I worry that there might be an even bigger disaster in Tenggara," he said.
MIC and MCA representatives were also at the press conference.
Meanwhile, Sinar Harian reported that 40 branch chiefs in Kota Tinggi staged a show of support for Halimah.
Tanjung Sediili Umno branch chief Hashim Muhammad said Kota Tinggi needed a leader like Halimah to serve them.
"Halimah is very close and friendly with the people of Kota Tinggi. She is someone who has truly proven to be able to lead this constituency.
"Kota Tinggi does not just have a large number of Malay voters but also represents rural communities and Felda settlers. We need a leader like Halimah who works hard to raise the people's voices," he said.
Halimah has been a BN lawmaker since 2008, serving two terms in Tenggara before being fielded in Kota Tinggi in 2018.
She served as national unity minister under both the Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob governments.
Aligned to Ismail Sabri
Halimah and Adham are among a group of ministers and deputy ministers believed to be aligned with Ismail Sabri that reportedly will not be fielded in this general election.
The Vibes yesterday reported that BN candidates were being made to sign a pledge to give Zahid the mandate to form the next cabinet.
This is despite Zahid publicly announcing Ismail Sabri - his subordinate in Umno - as BN's prime minister candidate.
Besides the Johor duo, others believed to be on the chopping block are Shahidan Kassim (Arau), Annuar Musa (Ketereh) Noh Omar (Tanjong Karang), Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (Pasir Salak) Zahidi Zainul Abidin (Padang Besar), Mohd Salim Sharif (Jempol) Ismail Abdul Muttalib (Maran) and Mastura Mohd Yazid (Kuala Kangsar).
BN will be announcing their GE15 candidates tonight. - Mkini
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