Top posts in Gua Musang up for contest

KOTA BARU: Gua Musang is one of nine divisions in Kelantan which will see a contest for top posts, with only five division chiefs being returned unopposed.

The five are Tan Sri Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh (Kota Baru), Tan Sri Annuar Musa (Ketereh), Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (Jeli), Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub (Machang) and Mohamed Zulkepli Omar (Kuala Krai).

The Tumpat, Rantau Panjang, Bachok and Pasir Puteh divisions are set to see multi- cornered fights, while straight fights are expected in Pengkalan Chepa, Pasir Mas, Kubang Kerian, Tanah Merah and Gua Musang.

Tumpat will see a four- cornered fight between Md Noor Yaacob, Datuk Mohd Rosdi Ab Aziz, Shamsudin Daud and Zulkifli Abdullah.

Rantau Panjang is set for a five-cornered contest involving Akbar Salim, Wan Mohd Fuaad Wan Abdullah, Mamat Jusoh, Mohd Azram Ahmad, and Ghazali Ismail.

Bachok chief Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin is not defending his post. The division will see a four-cornered fight among Mohd Zain Yasim, Yusof Mat, Inche Zainal Abidin Inche Wil and Ilias Husain.

Pengkalan Chepa is set for a straight fight between incumbent Datuk Zaluzi Sulaiman and Rahim Mohd Zain.

Pasir Mas chief Datuk Hanafi Mamat is not defending his post, paving the way for a direct duel between Che Johan Che Pa and Datuk Ab Ghani Harun.

Kubang Kerian chief Datuk Seri Muhammad Abdul Ghani is also not defending his post, creating a straight fight between Datuk Mohamad Noordin Awang and Anuar Sofian.

Tanah Merah MP Datuk Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz will be defending his division chief post against Kamarudin Mohamad.

Pasir Puteh division chief Datuk Zawawi Othman is being challenged by Mohd Agil Awang and Mohammad Yusri Ismail.

Newly-elected Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has won unopposed as the Pasir Puteh deputy division chief.

The male-dominated division polls will see two women – Nor Azita Ismail and Zuraihah Muhammad – fighting for the vicechief posts in Tumpat and Kuala Krai respectively.

Nor Azita is facing an eight-cornered fight, while Zuraihah is in a straight fight with Dr Zuber Hassan.