KOTA KINABALU: Lahad Datu assemblyman Datuk Yusof Apdal will be challenging the Silam Umno division chief’s post currently being held by Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur.
Yusof, a newcomer who made his debut in the May general election, confirmed his intention to run for the post as he submitted his nomination form to the Umno Sabah Election Committee at Bangunan Umno, yesterday.
Formerly holding the post in 2004, Yusof said he was offering himself to contest as divisional chief again due to calls and strong encouragement from his supporters in the constituency.
“I consider this as fitting for an elected representative to listen and be closer to the people. Umno’s politics have changed and I always see Umno as a party that is relevant, a party for the people.
“Umno in Silam seems to be getting detached from the people and I know the voters in the area want to see changes, this is why I am contesting,” he said when met outside the nomination hall.
He also reminded Umno members and leaders to make sure that the contest would not lead to factions and conflict among them but instead reach its intended purpose of further strengthening the party.
“Regardless of winning or losing, it is everyone’s responsibility to the party and the people to serve as a loyal member of Umno,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kalabakan Wanita chief Datuk Hamisa Samat was confident of her chances to defend the post despite being challenged by her own deputy Cahaya Sulaiman.
The coming party election will see Hamisa, who is also Assistant Resource Development and Information Technology Minister, defending her post for the second time.
“I only hope that all the competing candidates will be campaigning in a healthy way that will help further strengthen the party,” she said.
Hamisa also endorsed the candidacy of Saleha Tahir, a first timer who will be running for the deputy Wanita chief post for Kalabakan.
She expressed confidence that under her leadership together with Saleha, the movement would continue to serve the Kalabakan constituents well, particularly the women.