JOHOR BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is harbouring hopes that Johor Baru member of Parliament (MP) Tan Sri Shahrir Samad will re-consider his wish to step down from active politics.
Najib said although he was aware that Shahrir had made his intention clear before, he hoped that the Johor leader would rethink it for the sake of Barisan Nasional's (BN’s) continued success in retaining the Johor Baru seat.
“As Umno president, I very much hope that Shahrir does not step down. Of course I know his personality. We cannot force him," said Najib when opening the Johor Baru Umno divisional meeting here today.
Shahrir is also the Johor Baru Umno divisional chief.
More than 1,000 Umno members and supporters attended the event.
Najib said as BN's MP, Shahrir was a man of principle who gained support from his constituents and many others.
He said despite Shahrir’s continuous denial that he had played a big role in it, the Johor Baru seat remained a stronghold for BN all these years because of the "Shahrir Factor".
"The success of Johor Baru Umno division to retain Johor Baru seat in elections is proof that the party thrives in urban areas.
"The seat is one of only a few of seats based in state capital that has been retained under Umno-BN in general election."
Najib said the party must be inclusive when wooing urban voters.
"Umno members must not only take care of Umno or BN supporters but also civil society members and resident associations," he said.
He said he was also attracted to Johor Baru Umno's success to retain the urban seat.
In the 2013 election, Shahrir defeated PKR's Tan Sri Md Hashim Hussein with a majority of 10,134 votes.