KOTA KINABALU: Federal ministers Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak and Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, who switched seats for 14th General Election (GE14), see the move as an opportunity to bring major victory for Barisan Nasional (BN).
Sabah BN chairman Tan Sri Musa Aman, when unveiling state BN candidates here, announced that incumbent Usukan assemblyman Salleh was shifting to Kota Belud parliamentary, formerly held by Abdul Rahman.
Abdul Rahman, who served two terms in Kota Belud, will be contesting for Sepanggar parliamentary seat.
Salleh said it does not matter whether he stood in state or parliamentary seat, or even if his name was not listed as what the party required is more important.
“As a leader who applies teamwork concept, it is more important to bring major victory to the party,” said Salleh, who is Communications and Multimedia Minister, adding that he would continue the development agenda planned by BN for Kota Belud if given the mandate.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman, who is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said the seat swap was a serious responsibility.
“I will work hard to ensure BN retains Sepanggar parliament,” he said when met at a gathering with the people programme at Kampung Numbak in Sepanggar near here.
Sabah BN also listed four former assemblymen who are making a comeback. They were Datuk Japlin Akim (Usukan), Datuk Donald Mojuntin (Moyog), Harman Mohamad (Sulabayan) and Datuk Johnny Goh (Inanam).
Donald, who is also United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) secretary general, said he had been working on the ground and helping the people in Moyog and thus felt privileged to be fielded as a candidate for GE14.
“In Penampang, the opposition did not give the good services for the people and they just talk bad about the government and its policy,” said Donald who was not fielded in the previous election.
Therefore, for this election, our strategy is to offer rational choice to people which are development and stability,” he added.