BN’s Larut candidate unfazed going up against Hamzah

 

Education is a big part of Shafiq Fhadly Mahmud’s campaign, as he seeks to wrest the Larut seat for BN in GE15.

LARUT: Barisan Nasional’s Larut candidate Shafiq Fhadly Mahmud is undeterred by having to contest against Perikatan Nasional’s Hamzah Zainudin for the seat in the general election (GE15).

Although perceived as the “underdog”, Shafiq said he took confidence from BN’s election machinery.

He said he was determined to restore the mandate of the people of Larut as Hamzah – the three term Larut MP before Parliament’s dissolution – had quit Umno to become an independent after winning the seat on a BN ticket in 2018.

Hamzah joined Bersatu a year later. He is home minister.

“I regret that he (Hamzah) left us (Umno) as the people here worked hard for him to win under BN’s banner,” Shafiq told FMT in reference to the support Hamzah received at the last general election.

“But regardless, the BN machinery continues to work hard and support for the coalition has only increased because of the desire to restore our pride.”

Shafiq believed he was well equipped to garner the support of voters aged between 18 and 40, adding that the issue of education was a big part of his campaign.

“As a young candidate, I’m committed to helping the local children, especially those who struggle with their education.

“This must be the focus because only education can change the fate of our children,” the 37-year-old said.

Shafiq added that several stalled development plans in Larut had caused many of the area’s youth to seek employment opportunities in other areas and states.

“I promise to help provide more job opportunities for the youth here,” he said.

Shafiq and Hamzah are in a four-cornered fight for the Larut seat. - FMT