MACHANG: Kelantan Umno's three-name shortlist of possible candidates for the Nenggiri by-election is now at the final screening stage.
Kelantan Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub said as Nenggiri by-election operations director, he would hand over the list to Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his two-day visit to Kelantan beginning tomorrow.
"I would like to confirm today that we (Kelantan Umno) have three shortlisted names and they are now at the final screening stage.
"I will discuss with Gua Musang Umno and get their views on these candidates and will discuss it again with the (party) president when he visits Kelantan.
"InsyaAllah (God willing), we will finalise it soon. Kelantan Umno also expects to announce the candidate's name early for the Nenggiri by-election," he told reporters after the launch of the Machang Umno Youth delegates meeting.
The programme was launched by Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Jazlan refused to divulge the identities of the three candidates, but confirmed that they comprised both male and female candidates.
"What is important is that the three are the best candidates, are winnable and have public acceptance," he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Akmal hoped the party's leadership would choose the candidate from the movement for the Nenggiri by-election which will be held on Aug 17.
He said he believed a young candidate has a lot of energy and ideas which could help developing the Nenggiri area.
"We (Umno Youth) will be very greatful if a young candidate contesting in the Nenggiri by-election.
"As we know, there are various obstacles that need to be overcome, including involving young voters in the state seat.
"For this time's by-election, we definitely need candidates who have the energy and ideas to serve and develop this area," he said.
Dr Akmal the candidate must be a local who is familiar with the people in the constituency and pass the 'criteria' set by the party's leadership .
"The most important is that the candidate must be 'Yang Berkhidmat' and not "Yang Berhormat."
"We are requesting the Kelantan Umno liaison chairman to nominate a young candidate this time for Nenggiri by-election," he added.
The Election Commission (EC) has fixed Aug 17 for the by-election, with nomination day set for Aug 3 and early voting on Aug 13.
The by-election is being held after its incumbent, Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, was sacked from Bersatu.
Under the Kelantan Constitution, his sacking called for the seat to be vacated.
During the state election in August last year, PN, through Azizi, wrested control of the seat from Barisan Nasional when he obtained a majority of 810 votes.