Che Johan Che Pa, Umno’s intended candidate for the Pasir Masparliamentary seat, said he had decided not to join the fray to avoid a three-cornered fight which could prove futile to the BN.
"Moreover, I will be pitted against Ibrahim Ali, who is like father and son to me for he is a political mentor to many people.
"If I were to join the contest, we will both be crucified in the contest," Bernama quoted him as saying today.
He said he made the decision not to submit his nomination papers today with a heavy heart to enable the BN to recapture Kelantan.
Che Johan said he was ready to meet BN chairperson Najib Abdul Razak to explain to him why he took the drastic decision, and called on BN supporters to lend their support to Ibrahim whom he regarded as a BN-friendly candidate.
Meanwhile, the national news agency also reported that Kelantan BN chief Mustapa Mohamed (right) expressed surprise over Che Johan’s actions.
Mustapa said the state BN top leadership was not informed of Che Johan's decision not to run for the seat, and took the matter seriously.
"(Kelantan BN) will refer the case to the party's disciplinary board," he said in a text message to Bernama.
Che Johan was present at the nomination centre at the Pasir Mas Land and District Office this morning, but did not submit his nomination papers to returning officer Mohd Gahazali Mohamed.
This paved the way for a straight fight between the incumbent Ibrahim Ali, who is standing as an Independent candidate, and PAS candidate Mohamad Abduh Nik Aziz Nik.
On the other hand, Ibrahim said he was surprised by Che Johan's action to withdraw from the contest.
"The scenario is now more convincing for me to retain the seat," he said.
Denying a conspiracy behind Che Johan's decision, Ibrahim said: "I understand that Che Johan was present at the nomination hall armed with his nomination papers, but did not submit them at the end of the nomination period."
However, he did not rule out the possibility that Che Johan, whom he regarded as one of his political mentees, felt indebted to him and wanted him to retain the seat.
Ibrahim won the seat in the 2008 general election on a PAS ticket by beating BN's Ahmad Rosdi Mahmad with a 8,991-vote majority.
"Moreover, I will be pitted against Ibrahim Ali, who is like father and son to me for he is a political mentor to many people.
"If I were to join the contest, we will both be crucified in the contest," Bernama quoted him as saying today.
He said he made the decision not to submit his nomination papers today with a heavy heart to enable the BN to recapture Kelantan.
Che Johan said he was ready to meet BN chairperson Najib Abdul Razak to explain to him why he took the drastic decision, and called on BN supporters to lend their support to Ibrahim whom he regarded as a BN-friendly candidate.
Meanwhile, the national news agency also reported that Kelantan BN chief Mustapa Mohamed (right) expressed surprise over Che Johan’s actions.Mustapa said the state BN top leadership was not informed of Che Johan's decision not to run for the seat, and took the matter seriously.
"(Kelantan BN) will refer the case to the party's disciplinary board," he said in a text message to Bernama.
Che Johan was present at the nomination centre at the Pasir Mas Land and District Office this morning, but did not submit his nomination papers to returning officer Mohd Gahazali Mohamed.
This paved the way for a straight fight between the incumbent Ibrahim Ali, who is standing as an Independent candidate, and PAS candidate Mohamad Abduh Nik Aziz Nik.
On the other hand, Ibrahim said he was surprised by Che Johan's action to withdraw from the contest.
"The scenario is now more convincing for me to retain the seat," he said.
Denying a conspiracy behind Che Johan's decision, Ibrahim said: "I understand that Che Johan was present at the nomination hall armed with his nomination papers, but did not submit them at the end of the nomination period."
However, he did not rule out the possibility that Che Johan, whom he regarded as one of his political mentees, felt indebted to him and wanted him to retain the seat.
Ibrahim won the seat in the 2008 general election on a PAS ticket by beating BN's Ahmad Rosdi Mahmad with a 8,991-vote majority.
Che Johan’s move 'not detrimental'
Meanwhile, state Umno leaders felt that there was a silver lining in Che Johan's stance.
Kelantan Umno liaison committee secretary Md Alwi Che Ahmad said Che Johan's decision would not weaken the BN in Pasir Mas and was important the voters should reject PAS in the contest.
"I am not saying that I am supporting Ibrahim, but under whatever circumstances, do not support PAS. Let the top leadership decide on Che Johan's fate," said Md Alwi.
Kelantan Umno Youth chief Anuar Safian said Che Johan's decision could prevent vote splitting between the BN and Ibrahim.
"I do not see how Che Johan's decision can be detrimental to BN because it shows Umno's sincerity in giving way to Ibrahim," he said, adding that Ibrahim had been working in the BN's favour by exposing PAS' misdeeds.
Pasir Mas Umno division head Hanafi Mamat denied that Che Johan's decision was a deception hatched by Umno and the BN.
"I hope BN supporters and voters can understand the actual situation. Whatever it is, PAS must be defeated," he added.
Kelantan Umno Veterans Council chairman Rozali Isohak said Pasir Mas voters should reject PAS while Umno members should leave it to the disciplinary board to decide on Che Johan's action.
Kelantan People's Action Council information chief Kamaruddin Abdul Kadir said he was confident that Ibrahim could retain the seat for PAS would face a daunting task in a straight fight.
Meanwhile, state Umno leaders felt that there was a silver lining in Che Johan's stance.
Kelantan Umno liaison committee secretary Md Alwi Che Ahmad said Che Johan's decision would not weaken the BN in Pasir Mas and was important the voters should reject PAS in the contest.
"I am not saying that I am supporting Ibrahim, but under whatever circumstances, do not support PAS. Let the top leadership decide on Che Johan's fate," said Md Alwi.
Kelantan Umno Youth chief Anuar Safian said Che Johan's decision could prevent vote splitting between the BN and Ibrahim. "I do not see how Che Johan's decision can be detrimental to BN because it shows Umno's sincerity in giving way to Ibrahim," he said, adding that Ibrahim had been working in the BN's favour by exposing PAS' misdeeds.
Pasir Mas Umno division head Hanafi Mamat denied that Che Johan's decision was a deception hatched by Umno and the BN.
"I hope BN supporters and voters can understand the actual situation. Whatever it is, PAS must be defeated," he added.
Kelantan Umno Veterans Council chairman Rozali Isohak said Pasir Mas voters should reject PAS while Umno members should leave it to the disciplinary board to decide on Che Johan's action.
Kelantan People's Action Council information chief Kamaruddin Abdul Kadir said he was confident that Ibrahim could retain the seat for PAS would face a daunting task in a straight fight.
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