Greenhorn Aziz aims to survive Galas 'rapids'

By FMT Staff

GUA MUSANG: It's an uncomfortable debut for Galas Barisan Nasional candidate Abdul Aziz Yusof, knowing that his mentor Gua Musang Umno division chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is in trouble over the former's candidacy.
Still Abdul Aziz, who is reportedly inspired by Razaleigh, said he "will do his best and whatever it takes" to give Barisan Nasional a victory.

"For now I am just relieved that the nominations are over and there was no untoward incidents," the 47-year old former civil servant told FMT.

Gua Musang Umno division is divided over Abdul Aziz's nomination and all daggers are aimed at Razaleigh and his protegee's credibility.

"It's still too early to talk about (PAS candidate) Dr Zulkefli (Mohamad). My current thought is to take things as they come ... I am prepared for the personal attacks," said Abdul Aziz alluding to the discontent posted by party factions supporting former Gua Musang division chief Saufi Deraman.

The lanky Gua Musang Umno secretary has been described by many as "earthy" and "easily approachable," criteria which Prime Minister Najib Razak has made mandatory when deciding on BN candidates.

Gearing his mind to win, Abdul Aziz said he will now begin his campaign to wrest Galas.

"My focus if elected would be to improve the quality of live of locals.     

“I believe Barisan can make a difference in Galas. This used to be Barisan's stronghold... we are familiar with the needs here,” said the former operations manager with South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar).

Pas challenge

Opposing him on the Galas by-election frontline is local doctor Zulkefli. The 'medicine man' is deputy PAS chief for Gua Musang and a familiar face with the locals.

In his maiden speech after being declared an official candidate yesterday morning, he urged PAS and Pakatan Rakyat members to work hard for a collective win.

"I urge all to join us in working towards a win for PAS in Galas," he said adding that his main focus now would be to meet each voter and explain to them his agenda.

He pledged to continue the efforts of the late incumbent Chek Hashim Sulaima.

"I will continue the work of the late Chek Hashim. I hope Galas voters will be wise to evaluate the party's efforts and vote for me as representative of Pakatan Rakyat," he said.

On allegations that he was once caught for khalwat, Zulkefli said the matter was closed.

Polling for the Galas state constituency seat is set for Nov 4. The seat became vacant following the death of Chek Hashim on Sept 27 from cancer.

BN candidate Saufi Deraman lost to PAS Chek Hashim in the 2008 general election by a 646 vote. There are 11,553 registered voters in Galas.