MELAKA: The selection of five Umno Youth representatives as candidates for the Sabah General Election demonstrates Barisan Nasional’s (BN) confidence in the younger generation’s ability to lead and bring renewal to state politics.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the inclusion of five young candidates is among the highest ever recorded in BN Sabah Youth’s history of participation in state elections.
“Umno Youth welcomes BN‘s decision to field five Youth representatives as candidates in the Sabah state election.
“It is certainly a great responsibility, but God willing, we will carry out this mandate to the best of our ability,” he said in a statement today.
Of the 41 BN candidates announced yesterday, the five Youth representatives are Ranau Umno Youth chief Md Nadzmin Kamin, contesting the Karanan state seat; Sepanggar Umno Youth chief Arfanshah Abd Gafar (Darau); Lahad Datu Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Anil Sandu (Kunak); Tawau Umno Youth treasurer Dr Elmiariezan Ardan (Apas) and Tuaran Umno Youth chief Dr Shahnon Rizal Thaijuddin (Sulaman).
Following the announcement, Akmal expressed gratitude to Umno president and BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as well as BN Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, for trusting the Youth representatives to take on this important responsibility.
The Merlimau assemblyman said all five Youth candidates are new faces in Sabah politics, marking the start of a fresher and more progressive era for BN.
He also urged the entire Youth machinery and voters to give full support to the young candidates to secure the party’s success.
“We will not squander this opportunity. Although the task is not easy, we will do our utmost to ensure BN remains the choice of the people of Sabah,” he added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
