JELI: Umno is expected to finalise the candidate for the Aug 17 Nenggiri by-election next week, said its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that he has received the candidate's list from the Gua Musang Umno division today.
"We have received the shortlist and will bring it to our political bureau for finalisation.
"InshaAllah... we will finalise the name next week. We will select a candidate with 'Wali' elements – being Winnable, Acceptable, and Likeable," he said.
Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, spoke at a press conference after launching the Jeli Umno divisional meeting here today.
He said that Umno must not underestimate the loss of Nenggiri in the last 15th General Election by an 810-vote majority.
"I am confident that we can reclaim the state seat if our machineries work harder.
"All component parties in the unity government will also assist us from the campaign day to the polling day," he added.
Zahid also stated that Umno would ensure that those who did not vote in the last election participate in the upcoming Nenggiri by-election.
"I urge all party machinery in Kelantan to support the candidate contesting the state seat.
"We also appreciate the former Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azizi Abu Naim for his willingness to assist our candidate during the campaign," he added.