Azmin expected to 'come home', PN machinery ready for Hulu Kelang battle

Former Selangor menteri besar Azmin Ali may be coy about if and where he'll contest in the state polls, but there are strong indications that he'll be moving to Hulu Kelang.

Malaysiakini learnt from Perikatan Nasional (PN) insiders that preparations for the move are already underway, including setting up an operations centre.

"Yes, the order is out for us to prepare in Hulu Kelang. It has been set up," said a source.

"(Azmin) has set up a main operations room at his (late) mother's house in Klang Gate. Tents have also been set up at some of the district polling stations," the insider added.

Malaysiakini received several photos showing white canopy tents emblazoned with the PN logo at the compound of a bungalow in Jalan Kolam Air, Kampung Kelang Gates Baharu.

This was confirmed by our team, who visited the location last night.

Azmin is the incumbent three-term Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyperson under the Ampang parliamentary constituency.

Hulu Kelang, meanwhile, is one of three state seats under the Gombak parliamentary constituency - which Azmin was previously the MP of from 2008.

However, Azmin - who defected from PKR in 2020 - lost the Gombak seat last year to his protege Amirudin Shari.

While PKR recaptured both Gombak and Ampang in the 15th general election, PN did better in Gombak (with 36 percent vote share) than in Ampang (26 percent vote share).

PN sources also said Azmin eschewed "safer" seats in Selangor due to several factors.

"Besides being his hometown, he has well-prepared machinery in Hulu Kelang (compared to other areas).

"The only worry now is getting votes from M40 and T20 areas. He lost quite badly in terms of votes at Melawati," said the source, referring to the Taman Melawati area, a posh neighbourhood in the constituency.

Malaysiakini has reached out to Azmin for comments.

Azmin told the media last week that he was offered several seats to contest in the Selangor state election, including Morib, Batu Tiga and Hulu Kelang.

However, the PN information chief stressed that he wouldn't be standing in Hulu Kelang just because it is his hometown and that PN's top leadership will make any decision.

The incumbent Hulu Kelang state assemblyperson is Amanah's Saari Sungib, who has held the seat for three consecutive terms, including twice when he was still with PAS.

However, Saari has confirmed that he will not defend Hulu Kelang this time due to health issues.

Malaysiakini recently reported that the local Amanah division has nominated three names for candidacy, including Saari's eldest daughter Anfaal, Amanah's Wanita wing deputy chief.

Party sources revealed that Umno was also eyeing to contest Hulu Kelang. - Mkini