Wan Junaidi said he had trained his successor to be “as good as me” and even proposed the latter as a candidate, Bernama reported.

“But at the end of the day, the party will have to decide. Although the party did not select (my choice), I cannot complain,” he was quoted as saying.

Wan Junaidi, who held the seat for four terms, was asked to comment on Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) decision to field Nancy Shukri to contest the seat.

He said as a party member he accepted any decision made by PBB president Abang Johari Openg on Nancy’s candidacy. “You have no right to say no. I became what I am (today) because of the party,” he said.

Wan Junaidi said no one had forced him to sit out the general election and the decision was entirely his own. He said he had given notice to Abang Johari three months ago. “Though I’m performing well I don’t want to overstay my welcome,” he said.

He said his decision to not take part would also lead to more women candidates from PBB being featured. Nancy’s replacement in Batang Sadong was another woman, he said, referring to Rodiyah Sapiee.