KOTA BHARU: An independent candidate remains undeterred as he made his seventh attempt to be elected – this time contesting the Kota Lama state seat in the 15th Kelantan state elections.
Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary, 56, who chose a pen for his logo, arrived at the nomination centre at 7.30am. He had previously contested four times for state seats and twice as a parliamentary candidate.
The former lecturer, who is now running for the Kota Lama state seat, said that in the past 11 years, he has contested in Pengkalan Kubor (twice), Chempaka, Kota Lama, as well as Kota Bharu and Kuala Kangsar parliament seat during the 15th general election.
Despite the series of defeats, he remains steadfast and decided to give it another shot this time as he aspires to bring about change in Kota Lama.
"For 33 years, there has been no change in Kota Lama, so I want to bring about change if I win."
"As a native of Kota Lama, I know what is desired and wanted by the constituents here. I don't want to make empty promises, but I hope to win."
"Some people ask why I am not discouraged and keep running as a candidate repeatedly. My answer to the voters is - enough is enough (it's time for a change)," he said when met at the nomination center at Dewan Jubli Perak Majlis Perbandaran Kota Bharu Bandar Raya Islam (MPKB-BRI) today.
He said he hoped that the voters of Kota Lama will carefully assess and choose a suitable candidate.
"Although I know that Pas will likely win in Kelantan, I will not lose heart. I am running as a candidate because I have the support of my family, and I want to serve the community," he added.