KOTA BARU: Bersatu's Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, 41, also known as Ustaz Wadi, said he never requested to be a candidate to represent Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Nenggiri state by-election on Aug 17.
The former Pas Gua Musang Youth deputy chief said he was informed by the leadership about it only two days before the announcement.
"I have a leader and work as an organisation, not as an individual.
"When asked to contest, I complied with the party's decision. I will try to fulfill my responsibilities as best as possible.
"My selection was also a party decision. I did not request to be a candidate.
"I never even thought of becoming a candidate. During the selection process, I worked as usual, and no one informed or joked that I would be selected," he said when contacted.
He said his position as Pas Gua Musang Youth deputy chief was vacated as soon as he joined Bersatu.
"I will try to get closer to the voters. My previous tasks as a community activist and dakwah organiser at Halaqat Gua Musang help my duties.
"My experience serving in the navy will be used during campaigning."
According to sources, Rizwadi was said to have joined Bersatu only two days before being announced as a candidate.