KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Selangor incumbent member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has expressed willingness to take on caretaker Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz in the 15th General Election (GE15).
The former health minister said if Umno is set to field Tengku Zafrul in Kuala Selangor, he is ready to defend the parliamentary constituency.
This was following a statement issued earlier today by Parti Amanah Negara deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub who said both the party and Pakatan Harapan (PH) wanted Dr Dzulkefly to defend the Kuala Selangor seat.
"While l may have my weaknesses, the rakyat of Kuala Selangor, cutting across all races, religions and political affiliations, know well that through thick and thin, good days and bad days, through their pain and joys, I've tried my level best to be with my rakyat.
"And l will continue to do so if given the opportunity. It is always an honour to continue serving the rakyat and voters of Kuala Selangor, without prejudice and discrimination," he told the New Straits Times today.
Dr Dzulkefly said although he had previously told Amanah leadership of his wish to stay out of contesting in GE15, he would adhere to the party's instructions.
He said this is especially since Amanah and PH have expressed their confidence in him to be able to defeat Tengku Zafrul.
"I've expressed my intention to make way for a younger leader for Kuala Selangor almost a year ago to my leadership.
"But very unfortunately, Umno is hell-bent on fielding Tengku Zafrul as their candidate.
"While they know that l don't intend to contest, Amanah leaders now have given me no option but to contest, if Tengku Zafrul is really to be fielded.
"They believe l could take on and defeat Tengku Zafrul."
Earlier today, Salahuddin confirmed that Dr Dzulkefly has been picked as the party's candidate to defend the Kuala Selangor seat.
Salahuddin said Amanah is banking on Dr Dzulkefly, given his track record among local constituents as well as his service in the Selangor Task Force on Covid-19, aside from his tenure as health minister under the then PH-led federal government.
Dr Dzulkefly first won the Kuala Selangor constituency in 2008 with a 862 majority and in 2018, he secured the seat with a 8,498 majority vote.