KULAI: A top Umno leader claimed that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia members and supporters in Kelantan are disappointed with the party over the development of the Nenggiri by-election.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki claimed that Kelantan Bersatu members felt that they were deceived by Pas over the selection of candidates for the Aug 17 by-election.
This, said Asyraf, was the sentiment he observed during his visits to eight out of 20 polling districts in the Nenggiri state constituency.
"The Nenggiri seat was won by Bersatu and their supporters and leaders in Kelantan were disappointed by Pas' move in the by-election.
."If there are any internal disputes between Bersatu and Pas, we would certainly welcome any support for Umno," he told reporters after launching the Kulai Umno division meeting here last night.
Perikatan Nasional, on July 29, announced former navy officer Mohd Rizwadi Ismail as their candidate for the Nenggiri by-election.
Rizwadi, who was previously Gua Musang Pas Youth chief, joined Bersatu two days before he was announced as PN candidate for the by-election in Nenggiri.
The Nenggiri by-election is seeing a straight fight between Rizwadi and Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri after the nomination process for the polls concluded today.
The by-election was called after Kelantan Speaker, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, declared the seat, previously held by Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, vacant.
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.