‘Anyone is welcome to contest in Padang Rengas’
PADANG RENGAS: Padang Rengas member of parliament Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz yesterday welcomed any opposition party members to contest in his constituency in the 14th General Election.
Nazri, who is also tourism and culture minister, said to date, only Perak Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) representative Datuk Hamidah Osman had personally told him she was interested in contesting.
“She told me on Saturday when we had a short meeting over laksa and cendol with PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“I told her I have no problem with it since this is a democratic country.
“After she spoke to me, Dr Mahathir also mentioned the same thing that Hamidah was keen to contest in Padang Rengas.
“I told him the more the merrier.”
Nazri said this during a press conference after opening the Padang Rengas Umno’s meeting at Dewan Millenium in Lubuk Merbau here yesterday.
“This is actually good. Whoever wants to contest in Padang Rengas, go ahead.
“We may see four or five-cornered fights against Umno.
“We will see who will win. I am waiting for the announcement of the date of the general election because its results will allay all the unfounded accusations made by the opposition.”
On his upcoming debate with Dr Mahathir, Nazri said its objective was to defend Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak against Dr Mahathir’s allegations.
“The debate will touch on issues like 1Malaysia Development Berhad and Malaysian Official 1 (MO1), among others.”
The debate was initially scheduled on Saturday at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Sultan Azlan Shah in Kuala Kangsar but police rejected an application for a permit to hold the event.
However, Nazri and Dr Mahathir went ahead with their meeting on Saturday. They met for about half an hour in Lembah Kuala Kangsar and had a short stroll along Sungai Perak.
The April 7 debate is expected to be held at Karangkraf ’s headquarters in Shah Alam, Selangor at 8.30pm.