‘Dramatic exit of 7 a political ploy’

KOTA KINABALU: The recent “dramatic exit” by seven Sepanggar division Umno members is a political ploy ahead of the 14th General Election (GE14), said Sepanggar Umno secretary Md Joh Wid.

He said their resignations were irrelevant as they had not attended any meeting since 2015.

“We have yet to receive their resignation letters. I found out about it through the media on April 7. They announced that they were joining Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) on Wednesday at an event in Kampung Likas.

“I would like to reveal Din Merin’s membership, who is one of the seven, was revoked in May last year (for disciplinary reasons).

“Five of them — Azhar Matussin, Ladis Idris, Zaidi Atoh, Jamrin Wahid and Sahar Mentamin — had not served as Sepanggar Umno committee members since the membership of Sepanggar member of parliament (MP) Datuk Jumat Idris was suspended in 2015. They only attended part of the division delegates’ meeting that year.

“They did not attend the 2016 and 2017 delegates’ meetings.

“They also failed to turn up for division committee meetings and party activities, except for Marino Ahmad. He has not been active since the end of 2016.

“Thus, their action of resigning from their posts was just a gimmick.”

“They have betrayed the trust of party members.”

“I believe Umno members will remain loyal in defending the party and strive with other component parties in Barisan Nasional to ensure victory for candidates fielded in GE14.

“Sepanggar Umno remains strong. We are confident that candidates chosen to represent (BN) at the state seats of Karambunai and Inanam, and the Sepanggar parliamentary seat will emerge victorius.”