KOTA KINABALU: Former chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak (pic) has been named as the state Umno candidate for the west coast Usukan seat for the upcoming 17th state election, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

Salleh, the incumbent and currently Sabah Umno treasurer, was named by Bung Moktar during the party’s Gerak 17 programme in Usukan, Kota Belud, on Sunday.

Previously, Bung Moktar announced Umno division chief Jeffery Nor Mohamed as the candidate for the Tanjung Keramat state seat for the election, which is expected to be held in September next year.

Bung Moktar, who is state Barisan Nasional and Umno chief, said Salleh’s candidacy aligns with the aspirations of the Usukan people, who support him as their representative.

“Salleh has contributed greatly to the party and community, especially in this area.

“His selection meets the necessary criteria and reflects the choice of the people in this constituency,” Bung added.

He added that Usukan holds historical significance as the first constituency in Sabah where Umno was established through a by-election on May 11, 1991, led by the late former chief minister and state governor Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun.

Bung Moktar described Usukan as the birthplace of Umno in Sabah and called on the people to reignite that pioneering spirit.

He urged them to defend the seat in the upcoming election and reclaim the Tempasuk seat previously held by Umno.

Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari, who has since joined Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, was among six Umno members who declined to support a party-led bid to remove Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor early last year.

Bung Moktar asked Umno members in Usukan to work as a team to secure a Barisan victory.

“After nearly five years, Sabah continues to suffer from shortcomings, particularly in basic infrastructure and poverty reduction, impacting the daily lives of our people,” he added.

“This state election is an opportunity for Sabahans to make a wise choice.

“The people should no longer be misled by slogans that sound impressive but lack effective implementation.”

He said Barisan seeks a mandate from the people of Sabah to restore political stability and carry out a development agenda focused on their well-being.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/12/ex-cm-is-umnos-choice-for-usukan