KOTA KINABALU, Sept 24- The decision by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman not to contest any of the top posts in the upcoming Umno elections is deemed as a bold move that has left many bewildered and tongues a-wagging.
While the decision of the Sabah Umno chief not to contest one of the three vice-president (VP) posts has left many of his supporters disappointed, many more were taken aback by his announcement not to defend his Supreme council seat.
As usual, our so-called political pundits will come up with all kinds of ‘brilliant’ analyses and theories, most of which have probably been espoused by Musa’s political detractors. The analysts are mere mouthpieces.
Hence in recent days, one would have read a barrage of reasons behind Musa not contesting, ranging from disunity in Sabah Umno, lack of support to fear of a reduced majority if he did contest.
While some may wish to downplay his achievements, it is no secret that Musa has performed spectacularly in previous Umno elections, not to mention brillantly in leading the last three general elections in the state.
Sabah Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak was quoted as saying recently that Musa was the right choice and if he decided to go for it, Sabah Umno would stand solidly behind him.
The Usukan assemblyman also said that Musa, who is currently an Umno Supreme Council member, was a visionary and experienced leader with good leadership qualities.
“Musa spearheaded Barisan Nasional’s (BN) challenge in the last general election and successfully retained Sabah with a two-thirds majority by winning 48 of the 60 state seats and 22 of 25 parliamentary seats, aiding the formation of the Barisan Nasional government at the federal level,” he said.
When some started getting restless at news that Musa may go for a VP post, Salleh was quick to point out: “He (Musa) is simply not the kind of leader who is ‘greedy’ for position (in the party), he is more of a leader who likes to work as a team.
Deputy Chief Minister-cum-state Umno liaison secretary Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin had also said recently, that Sabah Umno was ready to mobilise its machinery nationwide if Musa decided to run.
Yahya was also quoted as saying that so far, more than 20 Umno divisions had publicly stated full support for Musa, adding that the latter was among the top three candidates for the Umno Supreme Council post in the party elections for two consecutive terms.
“What disunity and loss of support? More than 20 Umno division chiefs threw their support behind Musa to go for the VP post. Except for the two or three so-called ‘Big Guns’, the majority pushed Musa to go forth,” he said.
Among those who reportedly voiced their support for Musa to run for the VP post included Sipitang Umno division leader Datuk Sapawi Ahmad, Tawau Umno division leader Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, Beaufort Wanita Umno Chief Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, Kota Kinabalu Umno division chief, Datuk Faisyal Diego and Sepanggar Umno division leader Datuk Jumat Idris.
Yahya, who is also Putatan Umno division chief, said people needed to put things in perspective, adding that there was no need for Musa to prove himself in the political arena.
He said Musa had amply proven in leading just about every political battle and won handsomely during his (Musa) tenure as Umno and BN chief in Sabah,” he said.
“From by-elections to Umno elections, and to the ‘mother of all elections’, the 13th General Election, Musa has exceeded all expectations'” Yahya was quoted as saying.
Even the generally low-key Papar division chief and Pantai Manis assemblyman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail had reportedly expressed his support for Musa to contest the vice-president post.
We need more (Sabah) people of his (Musa s) calibre up there because we have a lot to offer and we have proven it (referring to the 13th General Election big win),” he said.
While so many were jockeying for positions prior to nomination day, Musa remained cool and calm on what we know now will be heavily contested elections at just about every level, with the exception of the post of president and deputy president.
“Make no mistake. Musa is never one to back down from a fight. Let there be no speculation as to the real reason why he’s not contesting. Musa is just a responsible and committed leader,” said Sabah Umno Treasurer Datuk Hajiji Noor.
Hajiji, who is also Tuaran Umno division chief, is one of Sabah Umno’s high ranking leaders who openly threw his support behind Musa to vie for one of the three VP posts.
“Even in the recent May election when the Opposition was said to be strongest, the chief minister still managed to ensure a two-thirds majority for BN in the state assembly,” he reportedly said.
Hajiji, who is local government and housing state minister, also said that it was due to Musa’s capable leadership and far-sightedness that Sabah Umno had its own imposing building at a strategic location.
One of the main reasons Musa gave for not joining in the election fray was that Sabah was a huge state and there was still much to be done to further develop the state and improve the overall welfare of the people.
Nonetheless, his critics continue to raise doubt over his real intention of not contesting, belittling his achievements and even going as far as questioning what he has achieved in the last 10 years.
Ranau Umno division chief Datuk Masidi Manjun said Musa had achieved milestones in terms of the state’s financial management, significantly improving its coffers, reducing poverty rate, improving the performances of state agencies and government-linked companies and facilitating Sabah’s overall economic growth.
“Musa’s top priority is taking care of Sabah. He wants to focus his efforts on developing the state and harness its full potential so that its people can enjoy a better way of life,” he said.
He said undoubtedly, many were disappointed that Musa decided not to offer himself for any of the top Umno posts, adding that it was probably not an easy decision, especially with so many wanting him to contest for the VP post.
Masidi, who is also tourism, culture and environment state minister, said many more were taken by surprise when he also decided not to go for the Umno Supreme Council seat.
“Musa has already made his decision and gave his reasons. Kindly respect it. No need to thank him for not contesting or analyse his decision through half-past six political analysts,” he said.
– BERNAMA
