IPOH, Oct 5 – Kedah Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir regards the Sungai Limau state seat by-election this Nov 4 as a big challenge for him as the state’s new menteri besar.
He said this by-election would definitely also give a stiff fight to the Barisan Nasional (BN) machinery as the Sungai Limau seat was a PAS stronghold helmed by the late Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak, the former Kedah menteri besar.
“However, BN is always eager to bring development. Kedah is now back under BN’s administration and the federal government is also BN-led, so it is hoped the combination of the two can bring development and progress to Kedah, including the Sungai Limau constituency.”
Mukhriz said this when met by reporters after the introduction session for candidates vying for posts in the Umno supreme council and executive committees of the three party wings – Wanita, Youth and Puteri – at the Indera Mulia Stadium, here, Friday.
Asked on particular traits that the BN candidate should have to match the late Azizan’s, in order to wrest the Sungai Limau seat, Mukhriz said there were certain important factors, whether in a by-election or general election, that could ensure victory for BN.
The candidate, party machinery and what BN has done all this while are among the important factors. We will consider all the factors,” he said.
Yesterday, Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusof announced that the Sungai Limau by-election would be held on Nov 4 and the nomination of candidates fixed for Oct 23.
The Sungai Limau state seat, located in the Jerai parliamentary constituency, was declared vacant following the death of Azizan from sepsis and multi-organ failure.
In the 13th General Election in May, the late Azizan retained the Sungai Limau seat which he won since 1995, after defeating his cousin Fazillah Mohd Ali from BN with a 2,774-vote majority.
– BERNAMA
