KOTA TINGGI, Nov. 10 -- Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the recent resignation of Datuk Ewon Benedick from the federal Cabinet will not affect Barisan Nasional's chances in the upcoming Sabah state election.

He said Ewon's move, made in his capacity as United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president, had no connection to BN or its election plans.

"We (Umno) are prepared for the coming Sabah state election, as I believe that in any election, all sorts of campaigns and statements will be made.

"Umno will field candidates without any political baggage as we have our own stance," he told reporters when asked whether Ewon's resignation would influence voters towards Umno or BN candidates.

Mohamed Khaled ...