New mandate as VP inspires Shafie Apdal to work harder

Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who retained his seat as UMNO vice-president for the second term, will use the new mandate to spur him to work harder for the party and government.

Shafie, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the new mandate given by the delegates would be used in the best manner possible to assist Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to implement the latter's transformation programme.

"This will inspire us to continue and further strengthen the transformation programme being carried out by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib as the UMNO president.

"I give my assurance as a (party) vice-president that I will give my undivided and solid support to implement the Umno transformation agenda so that it will not only be the platform for the struggles of UMNO members but also all Malaysians, particularly the 13 million existing voters who will determine the government in the 14th general election," he said.

Shafie disclosed this to reporters when approached at the Semporna Community Hall tonight for his comments on retaining the UMNO vice-presidency.

As at 9.30pm Saturday, Shafie had garnered 152 votes, the second highest after Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who had 164 votes while Datuk Seri Hishammuddin was in third place with 89.