Shahidan turns PN warlord to ensure victory in Perlis

ARAU: Former “Umno warlord” Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, with over 30 years experience in politics, is now the “military commander” of Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Perlis.

The incumbent Arau MP, who was dropped from the Barisan Nasional (BN) line-up for the polls, is now PN’s bet to defend the seat.

Perlis PN chairman Mohd Shukri Ramli, who is also state PAS commissioner, said Shahidan would carry out his duties as a “PN warlord” to help fellow coalition members wrest Perlis from BN’s grip.

“We are confident of his ability to lead the PN election machinery, and Perlis PAS will provide its full support and assistance to Shahidan.”

Bersatu Perlis chairman Abu Bakar Hamzah also expressed confidence in Shahidan’s ability as the main planner to bring about change in Perlis, which is known as a BN stronghold.

“With Shahidan’s assistance, I am confident that the PN machinery will become stronger as he has extensive knowledge and experience as a previous BN warlord.”

Shahidan, who has been sacked from Umno for contesting on a PN ticket, said he would use his experience as former Perlis BN election director to bring victory to PN.

“I was the person responsible for putting together a strategy, from A to Z, to ensure BN’s victory in Perlis in GE14, and it is not impossible for me to be able to help PN as well.”

Shahidan said he is not only campaigning for the Arau seat, but also helping his fellow PN colleagues in other constituencies.

He is planning on capturing 10 state seats, including four in the Arau parliamentary constituency, and three seats each in Kangar and Padang Besar.

PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin was reported on Tuesday as saying PN was capable of winning Perlis based on the wave of support from voters.

Shahidan won the Arau parliamentary seat in the 1986, 1990, 2013 and 2018 general elections, and his competitors then included PAS Mursyidul Am (spiritual leader), the late Datuk Haron Din and Datuk Hashim Jasin.

Shahidan was also Perlis mentri besar from 1995 to 2008. – Bernama