IPOH - Bagan Datuk Umno Division confirms that its chief Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will remain contesting in the Bagan Datuk Parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election (GE15).
The division’s deputy chief Datuk Khairuddin Tarmizi said Zahid had never stated his intention to let go of the seat in any Umno meeting at the division level.
He said there was no reason for Zahid to back down as a candidate for the Bagan Datuk Parliamentary seat because his service was still needed in the area.
"I can confirm the matter (of Zahid not contesting) was never discussed in any meetings in the Bagan Datuk Umno Division.
"In the last meeting recently, our focus was to ensure Zahid’s victory in Bagan Datuk Parliament.
"All levels of Bagan Datuk Umno Division support this fully and wants Zahid to contest in GE15, this has been finalised,” he told Sinar Harian on Friday.
Khairuddin said the news was intentionally raised to create a bad perception towards the Umno President.
Sinar Harian earlier revealed Zahid would not be contesting his Bagan Datuk Parliamentary seat that he held since the last four terms.
It was understood that he would be replaced either by his daughter Nurulhidayah or his right-hand man.
The 69-year old leader decided on this major decision as a sacrifice to ensure it will not be not utilised as campaign materials by their enemies in the upcoming polls on Nov 19 as announced by the Election Commission yesterday.