UMNO election: Abu Bakar withdraws candidacy to pave way for new faces

MELAKA - Former Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) deputy minister Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, has withdrew his candidacy for the Umno division deputy chief post at the very last minute.

Tangga Batu Umno division chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad said the decision to withdraw was a sacrifice made to make way for fresh faces like Shahrin Muharam, who had won uncontested.

He said even though the decision was made at the last minute, he believed it would strengthen the spirit of brotherhood among members.

"Datuk Abu Bakar's decision shows that he has a big heart to make way for Shahrin Muharam.

"We are also grateful to the divisional treasurer, Datuk Abd Rahman Bakar who withdrew and made way for the incumbent Umno divisional vice chief, Datuk Sazali Muhd Din, to win unopposed," he said when met at Baitul Tariq in Klebang Permai here, today.

He added how the election was a healthy competition with high family spirits and he hoped those contesting in the election on March 18 could use their creativity to gain support and simultaneously gain the younger generation's trust towards Umno.

The election will see Mohamad Ali, who is also deputy speaker for the National Assembly, going head-to-head with Paya Rumput assemblyman Datuk Rais Yasin for the Umno divisional chief post.

Additionally, Datin Seri Fadilah Abdullah, the wife of former chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, will be running against incumbent, Datuk Noradibah Abdullah, for the Wanita division chief post.