Former Jeli MP Mustapa Mohamed confirmed that he will not be defending his state assembly seat, Air Lanas, in the upcoming state election as he has retired from politics.
"I will not be contesting in this state election because I have retired," he said briefly when contacted today.
Mustapa, fondly known as Tok Pa, was an Umno supreme council member who had held several government portfolios, including deputy finance minister, entrepreneur development minister, and agricultural and agro-based industry minister.
Four months after BN's defeat in the 14th general election in 2018, Mustapa, who retained his Jeli parliamentary seat, announced his departure from the coalition to join Bersatu, a component party under Pakatan Harapan pre-Sheraton Move.
When Bersatu left Harapan and formed a new government under the leadership of Muhyiddin Yassin, Mustapa was appointed as a minister in the Prime Minister's Department responsible for economic affairs.
He also did not contest in the 15th general election last year due to health reasons. His political secretary and Perikatan Nasional candidate Zahari Kechik contested the Jeli parliamentary seat and won.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Bersatu chairperson Kamaruddin Md Noor said Mustapa has informed them of his decision.
"Tok Pa has informed everyone - both at the central or state level of PN - that he will not be contesting due to health reasons.
"Therefore, we will field the best candidate to defend the Air Lanas state assembly seat," he said when contacted.
The state polls for Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan will be held on Aug 12, with nomination day set on July 29. - Mkini
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