Former MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman Seeks to Help Umno Reclaim Pasir Salak Constituency

Return to Politics

PETALING JAYA: Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who recently had his six-year Umno membership suspension lifted, has pledged to woo back Barisan Nasional supporters who had switched allegiances to support the opposition.

The former Pasir Salak MP believes he will be able to persuade a majority of these supporters who had traditionally voted for Umno.

“I believe, and I am confident some 70% of Umno’s voters in Pasir Salak will be behind me,” he told FMT.

Reclaiming the Constituency

Tajuddin also said he wanted to help the party reclaim the constituency, which he served for three terms, at the next general election. BN lost the seat to Perikatan Nasional by 5,003 votes at the 2022 general election.

However, Tajuddin was unsure if his comeback would go down well with Umno grassroot members. He said he was prepared to make peace with his critics, including those who had pushed for his sacking.

He denied that his efforts were being made in hopes of being chosen as a candidate for the general election. “I just want to unite the members. If the division’s leaders demand unity to ensure an Umno victory (in the polls), then I’m ready,” he said.

Taking a Cautious Approach

Having been in politics since the 1980s, Tajuddin said he has become wary of those who want to use him for their own political gain, including aspiring elected representatives.

“Whatever you do, you must do it for the party, and not for yourself,” he emphasized.

He admitted that he was disheartened when he found out that several grassroot leaders were overjoyed when he was suspended. He denied that he had sabotaged the BN candidate in the 2022 elections.

“I campaigned day and night for the candidate to win and even spent some of my own money. BN didn’t lose because of me. If people reject the candidate, what can I do?” he said, referring to Khairul Azwan Harun.

A Suspension and a Comeback

Tajuddin was slapped with a six-year suspension from the party two years ago after publicly criticising Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s leadership.

His criticism of Zahid shortly before the 2022 general election came after his removal as a Supreme Council member in June that year.

Conclusion

Tajuddin’s decision to return to politics and help Umno reclaim the Pasir Salak constituency comes with a cautionary approach, as he is wary of those who may try to use him for their own gain. His experience and knowledge of the constituency may prove valuable in helping the party win back the seat.

FAQs

Q: Why did Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s membership was suspended?
A: Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s membership was suspended for six years after publicly criticising Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s leadership.

Q: What does Tajuddin Abdul Rahman hope to achieve by returning to politics?
A: Tajuddin Abdul Rahman hopes to help Umno reclaim the Pasir Salak constituency and unite the party’s members.

Q: Will Tajuddin Abdul Rahman run as a candidate in the next general election?
A: Tajuddin Abdul Rahman has denied that his efforts are being made in hopes of being chosen as a candidate for the general election.