Azran likely to challenge ex-boss Mustapa
KOTA BARU: Former International Trade and Industry Ministry Kelantan director Azran Deraman is likely to take on his ex-boss, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, for the Jeli parliamentary seat.
Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Husam Musa said Azran was the right candidate to contest the seat as he is familiar with the constituency and had worked with Mustapa, who is popularly known as Tok Pa.
However, Husam said he would let Pakatan Harapan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad make the full announcement of candidates first.
“It is very likely that Tun Mahathir will make the announcement for Azran to be the Jeli candidate.
“I have no authority to decide on his candidacy, but it is likely,” he said.
Mustapa won both the Air Lanas state and Jeli parliamentary seats in the 2004 and 2013 general elections.
Mustapa, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, has served in various ministries, including Finance, Higher Education, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, and Entrepreneur Development.
Barisan Nasional previously fielded Mustapa in both seats as he was seen as a potential mentri besar if the coalition succeeded in wresting control of Kelantan from PAS.
Husam said Jeli voters would be lucky if they voted in 36-year-old father of three Azran to represent them in the Dewan Rakyat.
“They will be fortunate to have someone young and capable with the necessary background to represent them,” he added.
Azran, who is from Tanah Merah, is already on the ground to meet the people.
Husam also confirmed that former Jeli volunteer medical team head Dr Aminuddin Yaakob will take on Mustapa in Air Lanas, while former Jeli Umno Education Bureau committee member Kamarudin Ismail will stand in the Kuala Balah state seat under an opposition ticket.