BN man a reluctant candidate
SEREMBAN: He is said to be one of Barisan Nasional’s (BN) favourites to face PKR presidentelect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Port Dickson by-election.
But in reality, Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohd Redza was less than interested to contest the parliamentary seat.
The Linggi assemblyman said the thought of wasting public funds just to fulfil Anwar’s political ambition to become prime minister was the reason for his reluctance to contest.
“It is not a matter of whether I am prepared to be named as BN’s candidate. In reality, I am not under any pressure. It is the opposite for Anwar, who must make sure that he wins.
“I am reluctant because I feel guilty as if I’m in cahoots (in wasting public funds) as the 14th General Election was held four months ago, and also considering the country’s economic situation.
“Pakatan Harapan (PH) government said (we) need to be prudent, but it allows the (Port Dickson) by-election to take place.
“People have to go through all these because of PKR’s internal problems and to fulfil Anwar’s desire, as well as his family’s, to be in power,” he said yesterday.
Rahman said, however, he would abide by the decision of Umno and BN supreme councils to field him as a candidate.
Seat incumbent Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah on Wednesday announced his resignation to pave the way for Anwar’s return to Parliament.
Rembau member of parliament Khairy Jamaluddin had said Rahman, a local with good reputation as an assemblyman, was the best candidate to contest the by-election.