I’m not a criminal, says Isa

By Adib Zalkapli

PORT DICKSON, Sept 10 – Former Umno vice-president Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad today dismissed the suggestion that he would be a liability to Barisan Nasional if he is fielded in the Bagan Pinang by-election.

"In the opposition, even a former prisoner could contest," Isa told a press conference in an apparent reference to Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was imprisoned for six years.

"I'm not a criminal," he added.

The former Negeri Sembilan mentri besar is said to be the most likely candidate to contest the Bagan Pinang state seat, but critics have pointed out his three-year suspension from Umno for vote buying would hand Pakatan Rakyat (PR) a clear advantage.

Speaking at a press conference after chairing the Teluk Kemang Umno committee meeting here, Isa said the division's recommendation would be submitted upon request from the state Umno and party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The Malaysian Insider understands that the Teluk Kemang Umno division, led by Isa, would submit only his name to the central leadership.

When asked today whether he is prepared to contest, Isa said: "I'm still waiting for 'hidayah' (signs)."

He admitted that his son Mohd Najib Isa was also being considered at the meeting.

On whether there would be internal sabotage if he is not fielded, the former federal territory minister said the issue would not arise as the Teluk Kemang Umno division was united.

Bagan Pinang is an Umno stronghold situated within the Teluk Kemang parliamentary constituency, represented by PKR's Datuk Kamarul Baharin Abbas.

In the last general election Umno's Azman Mohammad Noor, who died on Sept 4, won the seat, defeating Ramli Ismail of PAS by some 2,000 votes.

There are about 14,000 voters in the constituency with the Malays making up 66 per cent of the voters, Chinese 10.5 per cent and Indians 19.9 per cent.