BN names Kelantan Umno youth chief for Nenggiri by-election

 

Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani’s name was submitted to the Umno top leadership for consideration as the BN candidate for the Aug 17 Nenggiri by-election. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Barisan Nasional will field Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani to contest the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan on Aug 17.

Kelantan BN chairman Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub named the state Umno Youth chief as the coalition’s candidate at a press conference today.

The president (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) has reviewed the candidates’ list proposed by Gua Musang Umno’s leadership. Following collective discussions with Kelantan Umno, a decision was reached to choose one of the three candidates to represent BN,

 he said.

I am pleased, on behalf of the BN chairman, to announce Azmawi as the chosen candidate.

Jazlan said choosing the 38-year-old Azmawi reflects Umno’s recognition of young leaders as being pivotal to its future.

He added that BN’s nationwide machinery will kick off campaigning with the grassroots in Nenggiri from July 21 to secure victory for the BN candidate, with the exception of Sabah, due to logistical challenges.

We understand the challenges in this by-election but we are fully committed to reclaiming the Nenggiri state seat,

 he said.

Azmawi, who is also Gua Musang Umno Youth chief, pledged to improve Nenggiri if elected, focusing on serving all residents, regardless of political affiliations.

Recognising BN’s previous 810-vote deficit, we acknowledge the need for a concerted effort within the BN machinery. It won’t be easy, but we are determined to succeed,

 he said.

On Monday, a source told FMT that Gua Musang Umno had submitted Azmawi’s name to the top leadership for consideration.

The source also claimed that they had received former Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s blessings after he vetted the three shortlisted candidates.

Nenggiri voters go to the polls on Aug 17, with nominations set for Aug 3. The seat was declared vacant after Azizi Abu Naim of Perikatan Nasional ceased to be a Bersatu member. - FMT