KOTA KINABALU: There is no reason for Semporna folks to reject Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 14th General Election (GE14) just because the Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is no longer with Umno.
Umno Semporna acting chief Datuk Seri Nasir Sakaran said the of development and facilities there all this while were brought by the BN government and not contributed solely by an individual.
The Senallang assemblyman said Shafie, who is now Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) president, drew his strength from Umno and BN, and not because of his individual presence.
"He (Shafie) used to get support when he was in government as that allows development to take place.
"People looked at him because he was in the government and that was his strength, and not as an individual.
"Now he is no longer with the government and is unable to do anything, especially now that he is with the opposition," he said when contacted.
On the Umno division preparation for coming elections, Nasir said their machinery has been ready since last year to ensure victory for BN candidates for all constituencies there.
He said the candidates list for the parliament as well as the three state seats under it (Sulabayan, Senallang and Bugaya) consisting fresh and seasoned faces had been forwarded to the party top leadership.
BN won all four seats in the last elections but Shafie along with Sulabayan assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong left the party, and were now with Warisan.