GUA MUSANG: Speculation is rife that a former Gua Musang Umno Youth chief may be the frontrunner to represent Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in the Nenggiri state seat by-election, which has been fixed for polling next month.
Sources suggest that Sheikh Razali Hamidi is being considered as a potential candidate for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition in the Aug 17 by-election.
During a ceramah last night, PN operations director for the Nenggiri by-election Tan Sri Annuar Musa hinted that the Bersatu candidate would be a 'mature' individual with significant political experience compared to his rivals.
Many observers believe this description fits Sheikh Razali, who is 51 years old and was previously the Gua Musang Umno Youth chief before joining Bersatu.
Speculation on Sheikh Razali's candidacy intensified after he was spotted on stage with top Pas and Bersatu leaders during the ceramah last night.
When met after the ceramah, Sheikh Razali said that the candidate to represent Bersatu has yet to be finalised.
"Yes, I heard about the speculation (suggesting that he is the Bersatu candidate in the by-election). However, this all depends on the decision by the party's top leadership.
"I do know who the candidate is. Let us wait for the official announcement," he said.
It was previously reported that Sheikh Razali is among two names being shortlisted to represent Bersatu in the Nenggiri by-election.
The other person being considered by the party is Kelantan government official Sun Najaman Muhamad.
On July 18, Barisan Nasional (BN) announced that it has selected Kelantan Umno Youth chief Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, 38, to represent the party in the upcoming by-election.
State Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub said Azmawi was chosen not only for his commitment and hard work for the party but also for his experience in politics.
The Nenggiri by-election was called after Kelantan Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah declared the seat, previously held by Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, vacant.
Mohd Azizi, who is also the Gua Musang member of Parliament, was among the seven elected representatives dismissed from Bersatu for supporting the unity government.
In the Kelantan state election held in August last year, Mohd Azizi won Nenggiri with a narrow majority of 810 votes in a straight fight against a BN candidate.