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KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional’s incumbent Besut MP Tan Sri Idris Jusoh has laid to rest rumours that he will be defending the parliamentary seat in the upcoming general election (GE15).
On his Facebook profile, Idris said he is making way for newer and younger leaders in Umno to continue the party’s legacy.
“I am confident of Umno’s future, which now rests on its young leaders who are more energetic and appealing to voters.
“I am now 67 years old. It is time for me to make way (for other candidates),” he said.
Idris also explained that he contemplated not standing for elections in 2013 to make way for young leaders, but was persuaded by party leaders to contest and serve the party and the country.
He said he had even resigned as the Besut Umno division chief back in 2013 to gradually step down from politics.
The announcement comes just a week after Besut Umno division chief, Datuk Nawi Ahmad, said that Idris remains the top five candidates shortlisted to contest for the seat.
Idris, who had served as Terengganu menteri besar from 2004 to 2008, first won the Besut parliamentary seat in 1995.
He then contested for the Jerteh state assembly seat in 1999 but lost. However, he managed to secure the seat in the 2004 and 2008 elections.
Idris then contested and won the Besut parliamentary seat twice in 2013 and 2018. – The Vibes, October 24, 2022