GUA MUSANG: Only a Barisan Nasional representative can effectively address the issues faced by residents in Nenggiri, including infrastructure development.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he had visited all the polling centres and heard many concerns from the residents, such as infrastructure, housing and water supply issues.
"Who will champion their interests? It can only be a BN assemblyman (Adun), as this Adun will submit requests through the Umno state liaison body.
"These requests will then be forwarded to me, as the rural and regional development minister," he said in his speech at a community gathering in Meranto today.
Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Kelantan Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub and South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) chairman Datuk Zawawi Othman.
Zahid urged voters not to be swayed by the opposition's promises, as existing issues remain unresolved.
He said there was no need to discuss other matters as the people were in dire need of clean water, an issue that was not being addressed.
"That is why, during my visit, residents here have made various requests, including in Meranto.
"Among their requests are clean water supply, tube wells and playgrounds for children.
"While I cannot make promises, what is important, is that you should first grant us the mandate. After we win, we will know what to do," he said.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said if BN is given the mandate, they will adopt the Nenggiri constituency and would consider all the needs, in addition to solve the problems faced by the residents.
He said Umno Kelantan must ensure that BN candidate for Nenggiri, Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani speaks at the party's general assembly next week.
Meanwhile, Zahid said a victory for BN in Nenggiri would be a signal of Umno's return to Kelantan politics.
The Umno president said the Nenggiri state seat should be secured and the rakyat should give the party their mandate on Saturday.
"What I can say is that BN's victory this Saturday is not just for the residents of Nenggiri and Gua Musang. Instead, it will be a manifestation of Umno returning to Kelantan politics.
"This is what we want and we hope all voters give victory to our candidate," he said.
Zahid said the party's candidate was the best and could serve the Nenggiri residents well.
"If Azmawi is appointed as a representative, I will ensure that he bridges the gap between the voice of the Nenggiri people in the state assembly and the federal government," he said.
The Nenggiri by-election will see 20,259 electors across 20 polling centres with 46 voting streams.
It was called after Kelantan Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah declared the seat, previously held by Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, vacant.
Azizi, who is also the Gua Musang member of parliament, was among the seven elected representatives dismissed from Bersatu for supporting the unity government.