KUCHING: Entrepreneur Donald Lawan, who has confirmed contesting in Sri Aman in the coming general election as an independent, said Sri Aman MP Masir Kujat should not be so sure that he would be picked again by the BN for the coming polls.
Donald, who was Bukit Begunan assemblyman for one term, said this was because BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had not announced the BN candidacy list yet.
“I would like to draw Masir Kujat’s attention to the fact that our prime minister and chief minister have yet to announce the BN candidate for P202 Sri Aman even though he is the incumbent and PRS has recommended him to defend Sri Aman,” Donald said when responding to Masir’s comment that he welcomed Donald to face him in Sri Aman.
It is well known that Donald and Masir, who is also PRS vice president, were at one time the best of friends. Masir even admitted it was Donald who lobbied for him to be included in the BN candidacy list for 12th general election in 2008.
“I wish to refer to the article in The Borneo Post today (yesterday) that the MP for Sri Aman, Masir Kujat, was reported to have said that I am most welcomed to contest against him as an independent. The prerogative of deciding on the BN candidate for P202 Sri Aman lies with the prime minister who had been reported by The Borneo Post to have warned BN component party leaders in Sarawak against nominating party members they favoured for the coming elections at the expense of more winnable candidates who are not in their good books.”
Donald cautioned that Najib had also mentioned it was pointless for party presidents to strengthen their position in the party but lose the parliamentary election.
“I would like Masir Kujat to recall how he came to be nominated to be the BN candidate during the parliamentary election in 2008. He was never being considered by PRS then.”
“It was through my help, and this is admitted by Masir himself as reported by The Borneo Post today (yesterday) that he found himself nominated and won the seat with my machinery and supporters.”
Based on his personal experience and in light of Najib’s take on winnable candidate and not party’s favourites, Donald said Masir should know that his candidacy was not a done deal yet.
Like Masir, Donald claimed he did not harbour any personal grudges against Masir.
With regards to Masir’s statement on why he (Donald) wanted to contest, Donald said Masir knew “fully well” the reasons.
Donald opined Masir was no longer a winnable candidate for the BN anymore taking into account current ground sentiment.
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