BEAUFORT: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said Barisan Nasional’s Klias and Kuala Penyu candidates, Osin Jilon and Datuk Awang Aslee Lakat, are well-regarded by locals.
He said in the last election, BN had made way for Perikatan Nasional as they were then allies.
“This time, we decided to contest again in areas that have long been BN strongholds. The two candidates we are fielding are popular with the people,” he said after accompanying Osin and Awang to the nomination centre here.
Johari urged voters in both constituencies to give the candidates a chance to serve.
He said BN had produced many leaders over the years, including those from Sabah and Sarawak.
“We are consistent. Every year, we develop new talent, whereas other parties tend to ‘recycle’ the same candidates.
“When we find new talent, we bring them in. That is why 80 per cent of BN’s candidates this time are new faces who have never contested,” he said.
Johari added that BN had a strong record in East Malaysia, where the coalition had long worked with the Sabah and Sarawak governments. He also called on Sabahans to support BN’s Sabahan candidates.
“If we contest in Sabah, the mandate must go to Sabahans to lead Sabah,” he said, adding that BN would not field candidates who were not from the state.
On the possibility of rivals raising the issue of Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement during campaigning, Johari said the Federal Government’s position was clear.
“They can raise any issue, including the 40 per cent entitlement. But the decision made by the prime minister is that the Federal Government will not appeal the matter.
“That 40 per cent is in the Constitution, and we follow it. The issue will continue to be discussed,” he said.
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