Umno pledges support after controversy over Matunggong seat
KOTA MARUDU: A recent controversy over the scuffle for the Matunggong seat is obviously all behind now.
The tension that rose following a so-called ‘formula’ to recapture the Matunggong seat from the opposition has seemed to subside with leaders from the Barisan Nasional component parties here campaigned together for the chosen candidate.
Umno Kota Marudu chief Datuk Wetrom Bahanda has never failed to turn up at Parti Bersatu Sabah’s campaigns here, pledging his support for P168 Kota Marudu parliamentary candidate, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, and PBS’ Datuk Anita Baranting and Julita Majungki, who are fielded for the Tandek and Matunggong seats respectively.
“This is the unity that we want, and in BN, this is what we uphold - respect for one another. And that is why we can work closely together and serve the people,” said Maximus who is also the incumbent Kota Marudu member of parliament, when visiting the BN base at the Pata District Polling Centre in Matunggong yesterday.
In his campaign speech, Wetrom advised the people to make the right decision, adding: “BN had brought change in Kota Marudu, both physically and economically. It is vital that such development continue here for the good of everyone.”
The Matunggong seat became an issue when Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi asked PBS to “lend” it to Umno in a bid to recapture it in the general election.
Ahmad Zahid said BN was also aiming to retain Kota Marudu with a bigger majority through this method.
BN Sabah chief Tan Sri Musa Aman later resolved the issue and said PBS would contest the Matunggong state seat.