Former MP Che Alias says only his name proposed for Kemaman polls

Former Kemaman MP Che Alias Hamid said only his name has been proposed as the Perikatan Nasional candidate for the Kemaman by-election scheduled to take place on Dec 2.

“So far, only one name has been proposed for Kemaman PAS, but everything depends on the decision of the central leadership,” he told Malaysiakini.

Yesterday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang dismissed the possibility that the coalition would field ex-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the Kemaman parliamentary constituency.

Che Alias (above) is also confident of repeating the victory with a large majority based on the growing support for PAS and PN in the east coast state.

“I am optimistic that victory will be ours based on the majority and support in GE15, and also the recent state elections show the people of Terengganu and Kemaman are comfortable with the leadership of PAS, as well as the menteri besar and Terengganu state government.

“Secondly, the attitude of Umno, which is with DAP today, the Malays are increasingly withdrawing support.

“Issues that occur every day such as economic problems, the value of the ringgit shrinking, the rising cost of living, and also the lack of basic food supplies, this causes the people to be increasingly fed up with the government today,” he said.

In the 15th general election, Che Alias won with a hefty majority of 27,179 votes, defeating Terengganu BN leader Ahmad Said, Pakatan Harapan candidate Hasuni Sudin, and Pejuang candidate Rosli Ab Ghani.

On Sept 26, the Election Court annulled Che Alias’ victory after it upheld voter Wan Mohamad Hisham Wan Abdul’s election petition over elements of corruption.

“We accept the court’s decision, we don’t dispute it,” Che Alias said.

“But at the same time, what Umno has done makes me feel disappointed with the allegations of (elements of) corruption.

“What is important is that the people have rejected Umno and BN in Terengganu and Kemaman in particular,” he added.

Popular support

Meanwhile, Chukai state assemblyperson Hanafiah Mat said all grassroots levels of Kemaman PAS unanimously agreed for Che Alias to be nominated again.

“We are proposing a former candidate (Che Alias). So far, that is the only name we have sent to the state, we want to keep our old MP because apart from being known, he is accepted at the grassroots level and the support is still undivided.

“Surveys so far in public places show that the people of Kemaman, including young people, do not accept Harapan and BN because if they win, they will bring DAP to Terengganu,” he said. - Mkini