KUALA LUMPUR: After 15 months serving as Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States, Tan Sri Zulhasnan Rafique will be resigning from his post to contest in the 14th General Election.
Zulhasnan, 63, will be Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in Setiawangsa as announced by Umno Bandar Tun Razak chief Datuk Rizalman Mokhtar during the BN Federal Territories manifesto launch at Putra World Trade Centre here.
Zulhasnan who is also Umno Setiawangsa chief said he will be resigning from his post after receiving his appointment letter.
“After receiving the watikah today, I will be submitting my resignation letter as the ambassador latest by this Tuesday.
“I would like to express thanks to the BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak for allowing and giving me the opportunity to contest this election.
“For 13 years until today, I have served Umno and BN Setiawangsa and hopefully, the people will support us,” he said, adding that he had served 15 months of his two year term as ambassador in the United States since his appointment in December 2016.
Zulhasnan added that as a local candidate for BN, he was confident that people would be familiar with him.
Meanwhile Setiawangsa incumbent Datuk Ahmad Fauzi Zahari from Barisan Nasional (BN) said he agreed with party’s decision.
“Whatever that I feel must not surpass what the party has decided.
“I am a little bit sad for not contesting and it’s human nature to feel that way, however I’m not disappointed as I have been given the opportunity to serve the people of Setiawangsa.
“I hope Zulhasnan will carry out this trust given wholeheartedly to ensure victory for BN.
“Zulhasnan used to be Setiawangsa MP and he is aware about issues going on there,” he said.