GE15: Idris Jusoh not contesting, make way for youth

KUALA TERENGGANU - Former Besut MP Tan Sri Idris Jusoh announces his decision not to contest in the 15th General Election (GE15).

He explained the action was taken to make way for youth candidates, in line with Umno’s intention to rejuvenate the party.

“With a younger leadership line, I’m confident that Umno’s future will be more energetic and popular with voters,” he said in a statement on Monday.

The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman said the decision not to contest in the election started in 2013 to give way for youth members to continue the party’s legacy.

“At that time, I stated my intention to the President, Vice President and the Umno Secretary General but based on the party’s wish, I agreed to continue my services and contested in the election for the party and country.

“At the same year, I surrendered the Besut Umno Division Chief position as one of my plans to withdraw from the political world gradually,” he said.

Idris said his experience in contesting in the election started in 1995 as Besut MP when he was 40-years old.

He explained the next term in 1999, he was defeated in the state seat, but he returned to give a mandate as the Jerteh Assemblyman for two back-to-back terms in 2004 and 2008.

“The two following terms in 2013 and 2018 I returned to contest in the Parliamentary seat and won as an MP.

“Now I have reached the age of 67, it is time for me to make way (for new leaders),” he said.

Idris recorded his appreciation for all voters that supported him previously as well as the party for trusting him.

He vowed to continue working hard towards ensuring BN’s victory in GE15.