SEREMBAN: He was said to be among the favourites to face PKR president-elect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Port Dickson by-election, while in actuality, Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohd Redza was less than interested in contesting for the parliamentary seat.
The Linggi assemblyman said the thought of wasting public fund for the by-election in fulfilling Anwar’s political ambition to become a prime minister was the reason for his reluctance.
“It is not a matter of whether or not I am prepared to be named as Barisan Nasional’s candidate. Because, in reality, we are not under any pressure. It is the opposite for Anwar who must make sure that he wins (the seat).
“Personally, I am reluctant, feeling guilty and as if I’m in cahoots (with wasting public fund) as the 14th General Election (GE14) was held merely four months ago, in addition to the current country’s economic situation.
“Pakatan Harapan (PH) government said (we) need to be prudent, but it allows the (Port Dickson) by-election to take place.
“The people have to go all these due to PKR’s internal problems and Anwar’s desire, as well as his family’s, to be in power,” he said when contacted today.
Abdul Rahman said however he would abide by the decision made by Umno and BN’s supreme councils show they field him as a candidate.
Seat incumbent Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, in a Press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday announced his resignation to pave to pave the way for incoming Anwar’s return to Parliament and eventually, as the country's eighth prime minister.
Rembau member of parliament Khairy Jamaluddin had said Abdul Rahman, a local with good reputation as an assemblyman, was the best candidate to contest in the by-election.