It’s all systems go in Kedah, says Barisan
ALOR SETAR: It’s all systems go in Kedah with both the Government and Opposition having announced their candidates.
Kedah Barisan Nasional yesterday unveiled its candidates in a grand ceremony at Seri Mentaloon, the Mentri Besar’s official residence, with PKR following suit.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Parti Amanah Negara named their candidates earlier this month, while PAS released its list on April 19. Kedah has 15 parliamentary and 36 state seats.
With three- cornered fights expected in almost all of them, the Rice Bowl of Malaysia, which fell to Pakatan Rakyat in 2008 and then swung back to Barisan in 2013, will see heated contests.
The hottest seat is, undoubtedly, across the mainland where Pakatan Harapan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is attempting a shock comeback to Parliament by contesting the Langkawi seat.
Barisan is maintaining Datuk Nawawi Ahmad as its candidate, and the incumbent Langkawi MP is already feeling the pressure.
“I am happy because the top leadership has placed its trust on me to defend my seat, but I have the responsibility to ensure Barisan continues to hold on to Langkawi.
“Tun M has a sharp mind and I respect that but this is not his time. His advanced age means there are limitations in terms of physical, mental and work ability.
“All of us respect Tun M, but Langkawi voters will choose an MP who can work day and night,” Nawawi said of his 93-year-old challenger.
PAS gave way to Parti Ikatan Rakyat Malaysia, its Gagasan Sejahtera partner, to contest the seat but the latter openly stated that it was not ready to do so.
As such, Langkawi could be the only seat seeing a straight fight in Kedah.
Another hot seat is Jerlun, where Dr Mahathir’s son Datuk Seri Mukhrizwill take on Barisan incumbent Datuk Othman Aziz, the very same man he helped campaign for in GE13.
Mukhriz, who is Pribumi deputy president and Kedah Pakatan chairman, won Jerlun in 2008 under the Barisan, but made way for Othman to contest the seat in 2013.
Besides Jerlun, Mukhriz will also contest the state seat of Jitra against Barisan incumbent Datuk Aminuddin Omar and PAS new-
comer Zulhasmi Osman.
Another seat to watch will be Pokok Sena, which is likely to see a three-cornered fight between incumbent Datuk Mahfuz Omar of Amanah and newcomers from PAS and Barisan.
PAS is fielding former Kedah football skipper Muhamad Radhi Mat Din while Barisan will be represented by Datuk Said Ali Syed Rastan.
Pokok Sena has been Mahfuz’ stronghold for long, but with his shift from PAS to Amanah, it remains to be seen if he can still hold sway in the area.