KOTA BARU: The decision by Perikatan Nasional to field former Gua Musang deputy Pas Youth chief as its candidate for the Nenggiri by-election is an insult to Bersatu leaders.

Kelantan Umno Information chief Datuk Zawawi Othman said PN should realise choosing Mohd Rizwadi Ismail to represent Bersatu in the Aug 17 by-election is an injustice to many Bersatu leaders, especially those in Gua Musang.

"I was informed that Bersatu has decided to choose Rizwadi who just left Pas two days before he was announced as the PN candidate in Nenggiri.

"Making this kind of last minute decision is insulting to Gua Musang Bersatu leaders who are much more senior than Rizwadi and had their names mentioned as Nenggiri candidates," he said when contacted.

Zawawi said he was also surprised with Rizwadi's selection because "he is not as great" as certain leaders claim him to be.

"I heard Tan Sri Annuar Musa in his recent ceramah in Nenggiri. He has been telling people that Bersatu's candidate will be of a very high calibre and potential.

"For me, Barisan Nasional's candidate, Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani is much better than Bersatu's candidate," he added.

It was reported yesterday that Rizwadi joined Bersatu just two days before being announced as the party's Nenggiri candidate.

The selection of Rizwadi is believed to be a last-minute decision despite there being two names previously mentioned as potential candidates.

These were were Sheikh Razali Hamad and Sun Najaman Muhamad.

Sources said the decision was made after discussions among PN leaders were reached a deadlock over which of the two should be the candidate.

This was compounded by concerns of a possible boycott among the party machinery if a Bersatu quota for the seat was maintained.

On Monday evening, Rizwadi, a retired Royal Malaysian Navy serviceman was announced as the candidate for the Nenggiri state seat by-election.

Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, of Pas, said the 41-year-old from Kampung Bertam Baru was chosen due to his young age and because there was a sizable number of youths among voters.

The by-election is being held after the seat was declared vacant following the sacking of its holder, Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, from Bersatu.

Nomination day has been set for Saturday, with early voting to be held on Aug 13.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/07/1084226/nenggiri-election-umno-calls-ex-pas-mans-candidacy-insult-bersatu