Zahari backs BN's Durian Tunggal candidate despite being dropped

ALOR GAJAH: Not being selected to contest in the Melaka election has not deterred former Durian Tunggal assemblyman Datuk Zahari Khalil from serving the community, as he continues to campaign alongside his friend and Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Dr Mustafa Musa.

Zahari said he was not disappointed with the party's decision to field another candidate, and remained committed to Umno and BN and the people of Durian Tunggal.

He said he had continued meeting residents since the candidates were announced and would support Mustafa, better known as Cikgu Mus, if he won the seat.

"My struggle in Umno and BN must continue. I entered politics not for rank or position, but to serve the people in my village and help the Durian Tunggal community.

"I am not disappointed because the person replacing me is my own friend, Cikgu Mus. Why should I be disappointed?" he said while meeting residents with Mustafa at Kampung Belimbing Dalam, Durian Tunggal, today.

Zahari, a former state deputy works, infrastructure, public amenities and transport executive councillor, said his five years as an elected representative had taught him to appreciate both the party that nominated him and the residents who had supported him.

He said he was also touched by the support he had received from the residents, including those he barely knew, following the decision not to renominate him.

On banners that went viral at several locations calling for him to continue leading Durian Tunggal, Zahari said the support had encouraged him to keep serving the community despite not contesting this time.

He urged voters to continue supporting BN and Mustafa to ensure development and services in the constituency continued.

"I will not be going anywhere. I will continue working with Cikgu Mus, including if he wins this election.

"I will also ask him to continue the work I have done for the sake of the people of Durian Tunggal," he said.

Mustafa said he appreciated Zahari's support, describing him as a long-time friend and fellow party member, and expressed confidence that their cooperation would help sustain development efforts in Durian Tunggal.

He said they had known each other since their days in the Umno Youth movement and had worked together for years in the Alor Gajah parliamentary constituency.

"As party members and political fighters, we must respect the party's decisions.

"I have known Datuk Zahari for a long time. We are good friends and have fought alongside each other since our Youth days.

"With his guidance, advice and support, I am confident we can continue his work as a team," he said before leaving to collect his appointment letter in Kuala Lumpur.

Mustafa added that he was familiar with parts of Durian Tunggal and its residents, and would build on the services provided by the previous elected representative.