It’s confirmed! Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) lecturer Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim is BN’s candidate for Sungai Limau.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin made the announcement amidst cheers in front of 1,000-odd members at the coalition’s operations centre in Bernas, near Sungai Lentang.
He was accompanied by Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir and Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
MCA state chief Chong Itt Chew and other component party members were also present.
Muhyiddin said Sohaimi, 52, currently lives in Guar Cempedak and studied in Universiti Sains Malaysia (1987-1990 for his Bachelors and 2004-2007 for his PhD) and Universiti Malaya (1998-2000 for his Masters).
His last occupation was as UPSI lecturer and he specialises in Malaysian politics and government policies.
He is the Jerai Umno division committee member.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin made the announcement amidst cheers in front of 1,000-odd members at the coalition’s operations centre in Bernas, near Sungai Lentang.
He was accompanied by Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir and Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
MCA state chief Chong Itt Chew and other component party members were also present.
Muhyiddin said Sohaimi, 52, currently lives in Guar Cempedak and studied in Universiti Sains Malaysia (1987-1990 for his Bachelors and 2004-2007 for his PhD) and Universiti Malaya (1998-2000 for his Masters).
His last occupation was as UPSI lecturer and he specialises in Malaysian politics and government policies.
He is the Jerai Umno division committee member.
His eldest son is studying law in Universiti Malaya and his youngest child is in Year Four.
During his acceptance speech, Sohaimi (at podium) said he offered and sacrificed himself for the sake of Mukhriz, whom everyone loves.He feels he has a high responsibility to carry as a candidate but will try his best to carry out the task given to him by the party.
“I was born in the area, I was born and bred and voted in the Dulang area. I am not an outsider. I am willing to live and die with the voters here,” he vowed.
“If chosen, I will not let Sg Limau and any community be left behind in development regardless of race and age,” he added.
Sohaimi said he agreed with Mukhriz to promote a politics that does not bring disunity among Muslims and Malays.
“I will try my best to bring closer Umno and PAS for the sake of race and religion,” he promised.
‘Test for voters’
When speaking to the high-spirited crowd who gathered from several Umno divisions in Kedah, Muhyiddin said this by-election is a test for voters to choose which candidate they would bring development to Sungai Limau.
He said the voters will also choose a candidate who will uphold the position of Islam.
“Many ask us to give way to PAS in this seat but we have to follow the process of democracy. Who knows voters might want BN here at this by-election,” said Muhyiddin.
“There is nothing different between PAS and Umno. We struggle for the ummah, like PAS.
“There is no fatwa that says if you do not support BN, you cannot go Heaven.
“Only Allah decides and it doesn't matter whether you are from PAS member or Umno.
“Islam is the highest religion. No other religion is higher than Islam,” he added.
Muhyiddin then assured Sg Limau voters of the federal government’s total support for Muhkriz and his proposals to develop the area.
“Kedah is important but there are some places which are developed but Sg Limau is left behind.
“This is not fair for Sg Limau voters. There must be balanced development for all.
“I hope our candidate will be a voice for Sg Limau voters so that it can be developed like other areas,” he said.
Muhyiddin also urged unity within the party to ensure success in the by-election.
He said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has expressed some concern that the by-election is being held amidst the Umno internal polls.
However, seeing that many division and branch members were present at the announcement today, Muhyiddin said this has allayed the concerns because Umno remained united and committed to win Sg Limau.
When speaking to the high-spirited crowd who gathered from several Umno divisions in Kedah, Muhyiddin said this by-election is a test for voters to choose which candidate they would bring development to Sungai Limau.
He said the voters will also choose a candidate who will uphold the position of Islam.“Many ask us to give way to PAS in this seat but we have to follow the process of democracy. Who knows voters might want BN here at this by-election,” said Muhyiddin.
“There is nothing different between PAS and Umno. We struggle for the ummah, like PAS.
“There is no fatwa that says if you do not support BN, you cannot go Heaven.
“Only Allah decides and it doesn't matter whether you are from PAS member or Umno.
“Islam is the highest religion. No other religion is higher than Islam,” he added.
Muhyiddin then assured Sg Limau voters of the federal government’s total support for Muhkriz and his proposals to develop the area.
“Kedah is important but there are some places which are developed but Sg Limau is left behind.
“This is not fair for Sg Limau voters. There must be balanced development for all.
“I hope our candidate will be a voice for Sg Limau voters so that it can be developed like other areas,” he said.
Muhyiddin also urged unity within the party to ensure success in the by-election.
He said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has expressed some concern that the by-election is being held amidst the Umno internal polls.
However, seeing that many division and branch members were present at the announcement today, Muhyiddin said this has allayed the concerns because Umno remained united and committed to win Sg Limau.
Straight fight
The by-election for the Sungai Limau state seat in Kedah looks likely to be a straight fight between PAS’ Jerai division Youth chief Azam Samad and BN's Ahmad Sohaimi.
Earlier, party sources told Malaysiakini that the names of the duo for the Nov 4 by-election will be announced this evening.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang is expected to announce the party's candidate at 9pm at the information centre, located next to the Sungai Limau high school.
The Election Commission has set Oct 23 for nominations, allowing just over one week for campaigning.
The seat fell vacant upon the death of PAS’ Azizan Razak on Sept 26 from heart complications and diabetes.
In the 13th general election concluded on May 5, Azizan defended the seat, which has been under PAS since 1995.
He defeated his cousin and BN representative Fazillah Mohd Ali by a majority of 2,774 votes.
Earlier, party sources told Malaysiakini that the names of the duo for the Nov 4 by-election will be announced this evening.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang is expected to announce the party's candidate at 9pm at the information centre, located next to the Sungai Limau high school.
The Election Commission has set Oct 23 for nominations, allowing just over one week for campaigning.
The seat fell vacant upon the death of PAS’ Azizan Razak on Sept 26 from heart complications and diabetes.
In the 13th general election concluded on May 5, Azizan defended the seat, which has been under PAS since 1995.
He defeated his cousin and BN representative Fazillah Mohd Ali by a majority of 2,774 votes.
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