SABAH POLLS: NEW FACES SHOW BN’S COMMITMENT TO BRING CHANGE - MOHAMED KHALED 

KOTA TINGGI, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The introduction of new candidates by Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming 17th state election is a timely move that reflects the party’s commitment to bringing change and renewal to the state leadership.

UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the move demonstrates BN’s seriousness in fielding capable and promising candidates to drive Sabah’s progress in line with national development.

“This shows BN is serious about bringing change and also providing opportunities for new and young candidates who may be able to bring better progress to Sabah,” he told reporters after launching the MADANI Adopt-a-School Programme by the Defence Ministry at Sekolah Kebangsaan Felda Lok Heng here today.

Mohamed Khaled, who is also Defence Minister, said the development of states like Sabah can only succeed with close collaboration with the Federal Government to ensure policies and development programmes are implemented comprehensively and effectively.

“Sabah, like any other state, requires close ties with the federal government if it is to be developed properly,” he added.

On who will be BN’s ‘poster boy’ for the election, Mohamed Khaled said the party chairman will announce the matter at the appropriate time.

Yesterday, Sabah BN announced 41 candidates, mostly new faces and young candidates, while retaining several experienced leaders.

The party is fielding 85 per cent new faces, including young professionals, to demonstrate its readiness to implement significant changes in development and lift Sabah out of the poverty cycle.

Polling is set for Nov 29, while nominations will be held on Nov 15. 

-- BERNAMA