Grassroots dissatisfied with PN’s choice of candidate for Nenggiri, sources say

 

Many Bersatu members in Kelantan are dissatisfied with the choice of a former PAS member as the PN candidate for next month’s Nenggiri state by-election. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Sources are claiming that Bersatu grassroots in Kelantan are unhappy with the party’s decision to field a former PAS member as their candidate in the upcoming Nenggiri state by-election.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Bersatu source said there were 

mixed feelings and thoughts

 within the party, but said members needed to be 

more realistic

.

We need to admit that Bersatu’s presence in Gua Musang is very minimal, whereas PAS is very influential throughout Kelantan,

 he told FMT.

The source also said it was necessary for Bersatu to field a candidate trusted by PAS to regain the faith and support of both the Islamist party and the locals.

“PAS will return the seat to Bersatu in the next election, so it is important to win this one with an even larger majority.

PAS insisted that it is risky to field a purely Bersatu candidate due to ongoing trust issues,

 said the source, adding that a trust deficit surfaced after ousted incumbent Azizi Abu Naim pledged his support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last November.

On Monday, Perikatan Nasional named Rizwadi Ismail, a former navy officer, as its candidate for the Aug 17 by-election.

Menteri besar Nassuruddin Daud said Rizwadi, a former Gua Musang PAS deputy youth chief, was given 

permission

 to join Bersatu since the Nenggiri seat belongs to the Muhyiddin Yassin-led party.

Meanwhile, another Bersatu source also acknowledged that some members were unhappy with the choice of candidate, but expressed confidence that it would not have any major impact in terms of support.

Everyone will align and work to support the PN candidate,

 the leader said.

Although the final candidate representing PN is a former PAS member, he has been endorsed by both PAS and Bersatu leaders to join Bersatu.

The PN leader, however, said there was no denying that Rizwadi was fielded to avoid a boycott from certain parties within the coalition. - FMT