In light of BN’s decision to drop incumbent Tanjong Karang MP Noh Omar from contesting in the 15th general election, a member of the local Umno division committee this morning entered the contest as an independent candidate as a show of protest.

Mohd Rosni Mastol, 59, a retired Jasa (special affairs department) officer, said the decision to contest as an independent was to protest against Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (above) for not letting Noh defend his seat.

Rosni, who has been an Umno member for the past 36 years, and several other Tanjong Karang Umno division committee members decided that something needs to be done to show to the party leadership how they felt about Noh being dropped as a candidate.

“I disagree with the party president’s decision to not let Noh contest.

“We want to send a message that a leader who is fair will be respected while those who are not will be denied,” he told reporters when met outside the nomination centre at Dewan Dato Hormat, Tanjong Karang.

Two days ago, BN announced that Noh was not picked to defend his seat for the seventh term and will be replaced by Tanjong Karang Umno division Wanita chief Habibah Mohd Yusof.

Rosni said he is willing to face the music if Umno takes action against him for contesting as an independent candidate.

He said it is a necessary sacrifice on his part to represent the voice of the Tanjong Karang Umno grassroots.

Rosni also claimed that his sentiment was shared by the majority of Umno members in the division.

“Following the decision to drop Noh, at least half of the BN operations rooms in Tanjong Karang were closed down by members who are not happy.

“Noh didn't ask us to do it, but many did it on our own accord as we felt sorry for him.”

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