Umno can contest GE14 – Rahman Dahlan

KOTA KINABALU: Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan is of the opinion that the party will be able to proceed to contest in the 14th general election.

Commenting on the move by 16 Umno members who have challenged the legality of the party, Abdul Rahman said eventually the court would decide on the matter.

“As far as we are concerned, we are of the opinion that Umno has not committed any offence in this matter but you know that during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad’s era, Umno was also deemed illegal so this is their tactic.

“But it’s ok; it’s a process we will deal with it. I believe the right ruling will prevail and Umno will be able to (proceed) with its intention to win the general election,” said Abdul Rahman who was met after officiating at the ‘Jelajah Pendidikan Bumiputera’ program in Manggatal on behalf of Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman, yesterday.

It was reported that the 16 Umno members were asking the court to compel the Registrar of Societies (RoS) to provisionally dissolve Umno and for RoS to suspend all Umno activities until the judicial review is completed.

The applicants are also seeking a declaration that all Umno branches and divisions and the supreme council do not have legal effect, and should be dissolved effective April 20.

The applicants are also seeking a certiorari order to cancel any decision by RoS, which allowed an extension of time for Umno elections at all levels.

The 16 are arguing that the last day for Umno branches to hold their elections was on Feb 28 and the last day for the supreme council and 191 divisions to function was Thursday (April 19).

They have all been sacked from Umno.

Abdul Rahman also dismissed rumours that internal problems in Umno Sabah was the reason for the postponement of the launching of Barisan Nasional Sabah manifesto slated to be held today.

“What you heard is wrong,” he said, adding that the manifesto would be launched on Wednesday.

To the question about the criteria for BN candidates, Abdul Rahman was of the opinion that there are still veteran-elected representatives who can and still are needed by the rakyat to serve them.

“For Sabah, we cannot deny that we have veteran-elected representatives whose services are still needed by the rakyat. We cannot sacrifice an elected representative who has a good track record and still can serve the people for the sake of quota.

“We try as much (to keep to the) quota but let’s say if the elected representative can still serve and has high rating, what grounds do you have (to replace them)? he asked.

Abdul Rahman said BN would ensure that all its candidates are winnable in the 14th general election.