3 childhood friends face off in Langkap

PERMAISURI: Three friends made history when they contest the Langkap state seat under different political parties in the 14th General Election (GE14).

Former representative Datuk Sabri Mohd Noor of Barisan Nasional will face Azmi Maarof of Pas and Mustaffa Abdullah of PKR. The trio are children of Felda Chalok settlers in Kampung Rahmat, Kuala Terengganu.

Sabri, 55, said GE14 would be meaningful for him as he would be in a three-cornered fight with his childhood friends.

“I only heard rumours that they will contest in GE14.Although they are my seniors from my hometown, and they represent PKR and Pas, I have no issues with them as we practise democracy,” he said at the nomination centre at the Setiu District Office yesterday.

He said they were friendly with each other even though they had different missions for their parties.

“Over the past five years, I was given the mandate in Langkap to serve the people here. I hope all candidates will campaign properly without attacking others.”

Azmi, 57, said he used to attend the same school as Sabri at SK Kampung Rahmat.

“We have a good relationship as we respect each other’s political ideology.”

Mustaffa said he used to be the Langkap Umno division treasury for eight years and most of his friends were Umno members.

“I am grateful that supporters here can work together although they are campaigning for different parties.”

“Because we live in a same village, those appointed to put up campaign materials are local young men, and they have no problem taking turns putting up different flags. This creates a lively atmosphere without any untoward incident.”