BEAUFORT: Umno vice president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has stressed that only leaders born in Sabah are capable of leading the state, not outsiders.
He said being a Sabah-born leader is a key qualification when selecting candidates for the 17th Sabah General Election, alongside other factors such as loyalty to the party.
“Whoever they are, regardless of religion or ethnicity… the most important thing is that we develop the nation and the state that represents us.
“To improve Sabah in terms of finance, public welfare, or political stability, it is crucial to have leaders who are truly from Sabah.
“We do not bring in outsiders, nor do we choose people who frequently jump parties.
“We want individuals who are genuine in the party’s struggle, loyal to BN, and committed to working whether in victory or defeat,” he said.
Johari said this to reporters after the BN machinery launch for the Klias and Kuala Penyu seats at the Sweet Cottage Command Centre in Kampung Pintas, here today.
He also said that the public would benefit if BN candidates Osin Jilon (Klias) and Datuk Awang Aslee Lakat (Kuala Penyu) won in the state polls.
“Datuk Siti Aminah Aching (Beaufort MP) is one of our candidates who successfully won in this area, and she is working together with our two candidates.
“If both candidates succeed in becoming the state representatives, Beaufort will have an MP and two State Assembly members from BN.
“All residents in the constituency will benefit. In BN, we do not practice favouritism,” he added.
Meanwhile, he expressed satisfaction with the readiness of the election machinery in the area.
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