Radzi wants Shahidan to go

(New Straits Times) – The much talked about rift between Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim is out in the open. 

Radzi proposed a change in the state leadership, saying it was the best way to avoid a split in Umno. 

“It is nothing personal. I am saying this in the best interest of the party,” he said after opening the Padang Besar Umno election machinery yesterday. 

Radzi, who is from Perlis but does not hold any post in Perlis Umno, said Shahidan should be replaced to overcome internal problems within Umno. 

The Home Affairs Minister also said that Perlis had not developed like other states because there were no changes at the top.  

When contacted, Shahidan said he was not perturbed by Radzi’s comments. 

“If the party president said such a thing, I will take note,” said Shahidan, who has served as mentri besar for three terms. 

He said he would leave it to Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to decide on his position. 

”It is the prerogative of the party president to decide if I should stay or leave. Whatever the party president decides, I will abide,” he said. 

Stressing that he did not feel hurt over Radzi’s comments, Shahidan said there were also no signs of a split within the state Umno. 

“The state Umno machinery is all geared up for the next general election. 

“We are confident Barisan Nasional will win all the seats again in the next general election. The Opposition has no issues to harp on here,” he added.