Jumat a true leader - Salleh
KOTA KINABALU, April 29 (Bernama) -- Sabah UMNO deputy liaison chief Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak has described former Sepanggar division UMNO head Datuk Jumat Idris' continued loyalty to Barisan Nasional (BN) as the mark of a true leader.
Salleh, who is also Communications and Multimedia Minister, said Jumat's loyalty to the party proved he was a big-hearted person who is ready to accept the decisions made by the top leadership.
"I am happy because his loyalty to BN and continued support for BN's struggles will ensure victory for BN in the Sepanggar parliamentary seat (in the 14th general election).
"He knows the road is still long. I am confident that with our cooperation, he can continue his leadership in Sepanggar to bring about development in the constituency," he said.
Salleh was speaking at a thanksgiving dinner at Jumat's house held in conjunction with GE14 which was attended by about 3,000 supporters here tonight.
Speaking to reporters later, Salleh said a discussion will be held with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as party president on the process of reinstating Jumat's membership in UMNO.
Salleh said the prime minister himself had spoken to Jumat about this and he would take the matter to the party's highest level.
"However, the matter has to follow certain procedures. He (Jumat) had pleaded that his membership with UMNO be reinstated because he himself believes that BN and UMNO are the best platforms to continue his struggle for the people.
"It is necessary to reinstate his membership as he has shown his loyalty to the party," he said.
Meanwhile, the BN candidate for Sepanggar parliamentary seat Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman expressed his appreciation to Jumat and was touched by the latter's sincerity in helping him campaign in GE14.
In GE13, Jumat won the Sepanggar parliamentary seat with a majority of 9,442 votes.
In GE14, Abdul Rahman (BN-UMNO) will be challenged by Warisan candidate Mohd Azis Jamman, Jeffrey Kumin (SAPP) and Robert Sopining (PCS).
-- BERNAMA
