By : Rosli Zakaria and Sean Augustin, NST
Senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh will be the Barisan Nasional candidate for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election on Jan 17.
BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who announced this yesterday, said the selection was one that both BN chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and he had in mind.
"When I discussed with the prime minister about the candidate for the by-election, we shared the same view.
"We also took into account the views of other BN members. We hope our choice is the best and that BN will succeed," he said.
Present were Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and her deputy Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Puteri Umno chief Datuk Noraini Ahmad and Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said.
Najib said the announcement was made earlier to give more time to the candidate to go to the ground as well as to deal with any problems.
He said obtaining a mandate on Jan 17 was important for two reasons: to reclaim the party's dignity after the loss in the Permatang Pauh by-election and in honour of Razali's contribution to both state and country.
Later at a press conference, Najib said Wan Ahmad Farid received the support of all 103 Umno branches in the parliamentary constituency.
He said all BN component parties had pledged their commitment to work to ensure a win for the coalition.
"With fewer internal problems, a strong machinery and well-received candidate, we can focus on canvassing for votes.
"But I don't want those involved in the BN machinery to give priority to the Umno elections instead of ensuring BN's victory."
Wan Ahmad Farid said it was time for BN to prove that the party would always look after the interests of the people.
Another candidate for the by-election is Isma Airfath Hassanuddin, who will contest as an independent. Pas is expected to announce its candidate after its central committee meeting today.
No comments:
Post a Comment