Umno-DAP ties ‘a challenge’ but BN’s candidate in Nenggiri unfazed

 

Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani said he welcomes any Pakatan Harapan leader, including from DAP, to come and help him campaign in Nenggiri. (Bernama pic)

GUA MUSANG: 

Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidate for the Nenggiri by-election says he is unafraid of his rivals playing up the cooperation between his party Umno and its partner in federal government DAP in their campaign for the Kelantan state seat.

However, Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani acknowledged the challenge of convincing Malay voters to accept the partnership between the long-time foes who became allies in the aftermath of the 15th general election in 2022.

“The cooperation between Umno and DAP is a challenge for me. I need to persuade the voters in Nenggiri to accept me because they are looking for a representative who can carry out his responsibilities. I believe I can do that, if given the chance.

For me, the focus must be on reaching as many voters as possible. It’s not that I don’t care about the perceptions of DAP, but I can’t afford to lose focus. I only have 14 days to campaign and convince voters to choose me,

 he told FMT.

Azmawi also welcomed any leader from Pakatan Harapan, including from DAP, to help him on the campaign trail in Nenggiri.

This is a democracy – no one is going to stop anyone. Leaders can come and assist with the campaign.

When asked if DAP leaders needed to be cautious when making speeches to avoid offending Malay sensitivities, Azmawi said that his partners in the unity government understood the importance of adapting their message to suit the majority of voters in an area.

“I believe DAP understands the situation in Nenggiri, where 87% of the voters are Malay. They know there are no barriers to them coming to help with the campaign.

Who knows, perhaps their involvement might be an advantage. We will do our best and leave the rest to Allah,

 he said.

When asked about the advantage of support from the unity coalition’s machinery, he said that every candidate had his or her strengths, including Perikatan Nasional candidate Rizwadi Ismail.

It was previously reported that DAP was ready to assist BN’s campaign in the Nenggiri by-election on Aug 17 if asked to by the unity coalition. However, Umno adviser Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said there was no need for DAP to campaign in the by-election. - FMT