2 weeks ago
17
ADVERTISE HERE
Jafry says differences of opinion were inevitable in a democracy, particularly after a closely fought state election.
KOTA KINABALU (Dec 30): Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin has described the walkout by several division members following the announcement of Mohd Ismail Ayob as the coalition’s candidate for the Lamag by-election as part and parcel of democratic practice, stressing that the party must move forward with decisions made.
About 30 BN/Umno members booed and voiced their dissatisfaction while walking out of the hall at the Umno Sabah building when Jafry announced that BN will be fielding Mohd Ismail in the by-election.
Responding to questions on the incident, Jafry, who is also Umno Sabah liaison chairman, said differences of opinion were inevitable in a democracy, particularly after a closely fought state election.
“It is a democracy. There will always be those who are dissatisfied, and that is normal. But as a party, we have to make decisions. The decision has been made, and we now have to face the by-election,” he said.
Jafry reiterated that BN Sabah remains focused on delivering its message and ensuring political stability as it prepares for the Lamag state and Kinabatangan parliamentary by-elections.
Meanwhile, BN’s Kinabatangan parliamentary candidate Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar, 31, said he was fully supportive of the party’s decision to field another candidate for Lamag, describing BN as a credible coalition that prioritises winnability and unity.
“Barisan Nasional is a credible party. If it puts forward a highly credible candidate, God willing, it will secure victory for BN and for the candidate nominated by the coalition,” he said when asked whether he was comfortable with the decision.
Addressing speculation of internal rifts, Mohd Naim dismissed any notion of lingering resentment, saying political dynamics often evolve.
“There are no hard feelings. This is politics. Yesterday’s friend can be today’s opponent, and today’s opponent can be tomorrow’s friend.
“What matters is our objective, to ensure victory for the candidate and to deliver the development long desired by the people of Lamag and Kinabatangan,” he said.
Mohd Naim, who began his political journey in 2014 as Umno Youth information chief, later became Umno Youth chief in 2018 and currently serves as the treasurer of Umno Youth Malaysia.
When asked whether he was recognised beyond being associated with the late Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin, he said such judgment should be left to the people of Kinabatangan.
BN’s Lamag candidate Mohd Ismail, 45, said his focus was on lowering political tensions and closing a decade-long chapter of political divisions in the constituency.
“The previous election is in the past. As Datuk Jafry said, the political temperature needs to be lowered, and I share the same approach.
“Political differences that have persisted for 10 years, from the 16th to the 17th State Elections, must come to an end,” he said.
Mohd Ismail said the priority now was to focus on developing Lamag, noting that the state government has been formed and BN is part of both the state and federal governments.
“For me, unity is the most important message in every speech I deliver. We have five manifesto pledges, some of which require cooperation with the federal government.
“That is why BN is the right platform to implement a manifesto that depends on strong collaboration between the state and federal governments,” he said.
As the by-election approaches, BN Sabah maintains that political maturity, unity and cooperation remain central to its strategy in ensuring stability and continued development for the people.
English (US) ·