KOTA BARU: A new potential candidate has emerged ahead of the announcement of Perikatan Nasional's candidate for the Nenggiri state seat by-election tomorrow.

Sources are now saying that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will likely field an ex-serviceman, who is a local from the state, as its candidate for the Aug 17 by-election.

Bersatu top leadership, the sources said, believed that the ex-serviceman, in his 40s, met the criteria to help the party retain the seat.

The same sources also said several names, including former Gua Musang Umno Youth chief Sheikh Razali Hamidi, previously speculated to represent the party in the by-election, were all rejected by the top Bersatu leadership.

"The ex-serviceman was selected as he meets the party's criteria and has a good reputation and connection with constituents in Nenggiri.

"With his selection as Bersatu's candidate for the by-election, it will put an end to the guessing game," the sources said.

Previously, three names, including Sheikh Razali, have been bandied around as Bersatu's top picks to represent the party in the by-election.

Apart from Razali, the other two are Kuala Krai Bersatu chief Zulfaqar Dahalan and Gua Musang former deputy chief Che Ariffin Hussin.

It was reported today that Perikatan Nasional will name their candidate for the Nenggiri by-election tomorrow.

In an invitation to the press, the coalition said it will unveil its candidate at Masjid Hijau, Gua Musang.

Barisan Nasional has already named Kelantan Umno Youth chief Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani as its candidate for the seat.

The Nenggiri by-election was called after Kelantan Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah declared the seat, previously held by Mohd Azizi Abu Naim vacant.

Mohd Azizi, who is also the Gua Musang member of Parliament, was among the seven elected representatives dismissed from Bersatu for supporting the unity government.

In the Kelantan state election held in August last year, Mohd Azizi won Nenggiri with a narrow majority of 810 votes in a straight fight against a BN candidate.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/07/1082913/bersatu-field-ex-serviceman-nenggiri-election-candidate