Ex-banker to take on heavyweights in Kota Baru

KOTA BARU: A 32-year-old former banker turned businessman has been given the opportunity to turn giant killer after he was nominated to stand against two big names in Kelantan for the parliamentary seat here.

Fikhran Hamshi Mohamad Fatmi was named as the Barisan Nasional candidate to take on Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Husam Musa and Pas secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.

He is among 15 young candidates, who will be battling it out in Kelantan, in the 14th General Election.

The others include Pasir Mas Umno Youth chief Nor Asmawi Ab Rahman, 44, who has been fielded for the Pasir Mas parliamentary seat, Kelantan Umno Youth chief Mohamad Azam Ismail, 41, (Kadok state seat) and Malaysian Youth Council permanent chairman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim, 38, (Galas state seat).

Fikhran, who is the son of Kota Baru Umno division chief Tan Sri Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh, said he was confident that his tender age would be an advantage for BN in fighting for the seat.

“I am aware that Kota Baru is a Pas fortress and the expected three-cornered fight for the seat against Husam and Takiyuddin is not going to be easy.

“They are big names in Kelantan.

“We have to see their performance records and what they have achieved.

“I have received feedback that people are not happy with the services rendered by Takiyuddin in the one term that he has been a member of parliament here.”

Fikhran said Husam was an outsider who was parachuting to Kota Baru to contest.

“I am from here... I grew up here and I am close to the youth here... I know what they want and BN can deliver it.”

Azam said BN would go all out to deliver promises outlined in its manifesto.

He said Kadok had the potential to be turned into a sports and cultural centre for the benefit of youth in the constituency.