BN is ready to field candidates in the Nenggiri by-election, said Zahid
PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) is ready to field its candidates to contest in the Nenggiri State Assembly (DUN) if a by-election (PRK) is held.
Berita Harian reported that its chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said this was because BN in the previous state election only lost with a majority of over 800 votes.
“For BN, our defeat is only a little over 800, we think that if there is a by-election, then for sure in this area, we are the ‘underdog’, but we must be prepared if the court decides that a by-election should be held.
“So far our preparedness is in terms of collecting new data and also moving machinery at the locality level,” he said.
He said this when met after holding a special meeting with the Participants and Organizers of the MLBB 2024 Mid Season Cup – Moonton Games Malaysia at his office here today.
Kelantan State Assembly Speaker, Datuk Seri Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, announced that the Nenggiri State Assembly seat was vacated.
He said the decision was made after the Kelantan state assembly on June 13 received a written notice in accordance with clause (3) of Article 31A of the Kelantan Government Constitution from a Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) and Bersatu regarding the missing membership of Mohd Azizi Abu Naim from Bersatu.
Following that, the Election Commission (SPR) will hold a Special By-Election Meeting (PRK) of the Nenggiri State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on June 28 to discuss the implementation of the election.
However, former Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azizi Abu Naim will file an objection against the Kelantan State Assembly Speaker’s decision to vacate his seat in court this Sunday.
Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid who is also the President of UMNO said that he respects the decision made by the Speaker of the Kelantan State Assembly, but insists that all parties must also respect that the matter is brought to court.
“Despite various views and opinions from political analysts and legal practitioners, we think that it should be decided by the court first.
“This court decision should be respected while we wait for what the court will decide,” he said.
When asked if the seat holder, Mohd Azizi, should be given the opportunity to contest again if a by-election is held, Ahmad Zahid said that the matter can be negotiated.
“I think our position is wherever there is a by-election, if the incumbent comes from a component party in this MADANI Government, we give priority,” he said.