Mohamad Al As
KUALA LUMPUR: The Umno candidate for the Nenggiri by-election will be announced this week, says Umno president Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi.
He also said that the candidate would be a local from the constituency and hold a position in the party's division there.
"We will choose the best candidate, a 'WALI' candidate: winnable, acceptable, and likable, who can provide the best service for Nenggiri," said Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister.
He said this after the flagging-off ceremony for participants of initiative programmes by the Malaysian-China Institute MCI.
Last Sunday (July 14), Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the young candidate would possess on-the-ground experience.
This was a day after Zahid had identified one of three shortlisted candidates to contest in the by-election.
The nomination of candidates for the by-election will be held on Aug 3, while early voting will take place on Aug 13.
The by-election was set after the seat was vacated by Kelantan state assembly speaker, Mohd Amar Abdullah, on June 19, following the incumbent, ex-Bersatu member and current Gua Musang MP Datuk Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, declaring his support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim late last year.