Nazri pitches Ramly Zahari as Umno's champ in K Kangsar by-election

Tourism and Culture Minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has pitched Ramly Zahari as Umno's candidate for the Kuala Kangsar by-election.

"Perhaps I may be biased in supporting Ramly Zahari to be the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary candidate because he had been the area's division chief for a long time.

"He was state assemblyperson for four terms and even when he was dropped in the last general election, he did not show any disgruntlement but instead continued to work hard for the people of Kuala Kangsar," he told Malaysiakini when contacted.

Ramly had served as the assemblyperson for Manong, a state seat within the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary constituency since 1995, but was dropped in the 2013 general election.

He was speculated to have been dropped over his alleged ambition to challenge Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Ramly had also served as a state executive councillor under Zambry's administration.

Nazri said Ramly's close relationship with the local community there, even after being dropped, would make it easier for BN to retain the parliamentary seat in northern Perak.

"He had even set up Yayasan Anak Kuala Kangsar so that he can continue serving the Kuala Kangsar community, which means his connection (with the people) did not disappear despite him being dropped in the last general election.

"Besides, if I am not mistaken, he is only 57 years old and that is considered young to be retiring from politics," said Nazri, who is also an MP in Perak, for the constituency of Padang Rengas.

Ready to run

When contacted, Ramly told Malaysiakini he was prepared for the by-election if Umno chose to nominate him.

"If I am offered, I am still able and prepared to serve.

"I am confident I can continue serving as all the component parties have informed me I have their full support," he said.

The Kuala Kangsar seat fell vacant following the passing of its incumbent, Wan Mohammad Khai-ril Anuar Wan Ahmad, in a helicopter crash while campaigning for BN in the Sarawak election.

Also on board the ill-fated helicopter was deputy minister Noriah Kasnon, who was the MP for Sungai Besar. A by-election is also expected to be called there.

Four others on board were Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Sundaran Annamalai, Noriah's husband Asmuni Abdullah and bodyguard Ahmad Sobri as well as pilot Rudolf Rex Raga.

There were no survivors.

The Election Commission (EC) today said it had received notice from the Dewan Rakyat that the two constituencies have fallen vacant and is expected to announce details of the by-elections on May 13.

Both Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar are marginal seats won by BN in the 2013 general election with a 1,082-vote majority and 399-vote majority respectively.-Mkini