ALOR SETAR, May 12 — Following the humiliating defeat of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 14th general election (GE14) recently, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said he was ready to step down as chairman of the Umno liaison body and state BN.
He said the move was to give way to a new back-up line-up to continue and restore the people’s trust in the BN’s struggle in the state.
“However, I will hold some discussions and special meetings with state Umno and BN, because any decision must be made together. They have also been with me for decades in the party,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the 72nd Umno Day Celebration and Dinner with Umno members here tonight.
In the GE14 recently, BN only won three of the 36 state seats in the state, with Ahmad Bashah also losing the Suka Menanti seat, formerly known as Bakar Bata, which he had held for five terms.
The former Kedah mentri besar said the consideration to resign was also seen as highly suitable since Umno had been asked to hold meetings at the branches and divisions beginning from May 19 for party election purposes.
“If I do not resign, I would probably not contest the elections at the division level,” he said.
On Kedah, he said the party did not expect such a severe defeat in the state when it only won three state seats as the party machinery had been working hard and making preparations as soon as it received the mandate at GE13.
“But it may be the people’s decision to experience a new government, but in terms of our duties and responsibilities as the government we have done the best before this, in fact the promises in our manifesto have been fulfilled,” he said.
Commenting on the resignation of Datuk Seri Najib Razak as BN chairman and Umno president, Ahmad Bashah said the state Umno accepted the matter with a heavy heart, however, it still respected the decision made by the former prime minister.
“Despite our grief, we hope the party members will remain calm and get back together to continue our struggle and help Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who will assume the Umno presidency and BN chairmanship,” he said. — Bernama
