Those not nominated or dropped should remain accommodating - Shahidan Kassim





KANGAR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Perlis UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has advised incumbents who were dropped or those not named as candidates for the 14th General Election (GE14) to place the party's interests above all, and remain accommodating.

"The fact is that not all will be chosen and get what they want, but we cannot as well lose all (the seats). However, we will be fair (to those who were not chosen) because a decision has been made. We must also look at ourselves and accept reality.

"As a leader in Perlis, the basis of my struggle is justice. Whoever goes against (BN), goes against me," he told reporters after announcing the Perlis BN candidates at Dewan 2020 here today.

He was asked to comment on protests by several UMNO supporters at the Dewan 2020 today, and some having removed BN flags installed at several places, which had gone viral on social media.

Shahidan, who was minister in the Prime Minister's Department before the 13th Parliament was dissolved, will defend the Arau parliamentary seat, while Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man will move from Pauh to the Bintong state constituency in the Kangar parliamentary constituency.

At the event, he announced the candidates for three parliamentary and 15 state seats.

The line-up features nine new candidates for state seats and one new candidate for parliamentary seat, while two former state executive councillors will be making a comeback and four state candidates retained.

Shahidan said the candidates chosen were screened by the top leadership, and had met the set criteria.

"I believe we (BN) can win 100 per cent (of the seats) and then we will decide who will lead Perlis," he added.

On the three-corner fight in Arau involving him, PAS Mursyidul Am Hashim Jasin and former lecturer of Universiti Perguruan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Tanjung Malim, Perak, Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Daud, Shahidan said it was better for BN that way.

Azlan, who is also Perlis UMNO Liaison deputy chairman, advised those who were not selected that everyone had a role and responsibility to the party.

"It is normal that those not selected will be disappointed, but it does not mean they have been sidelined. The party leadership has the right to decide who deserves to be nominated. So, do not speculate," he said.

Azlan said he was willing to take up the menteri besar post again if given the mandate, and with the consent of the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail.

-- BERNAMA