ALOR SETAR: Umno is set to contest in 15 of the 36 state seats in Kedah when the state goes to the polls on Aug 12.
With the cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional in the unity government at the federal level, Umno is now taking a bolder step in the Malay heartland.
Due to MCA and MIC opting to stay out of the polls, the distribution of seats will see Umno contesting the 15 seats, in addition to its partners in Barisan Nasional.
The party is expected to field its candidates in Pedu, Bukit Lada, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Sungai Tiang, Anak Bukit, Guar Chempedak, Tanjug Dawai, Pantai Merdeka, Ayer Hangat, Ayer Hitam, Jeneri, Bandar Baharu, and Merbau Pulas.
Umno is also likely to contest in two of the three state seats in Baling, namely Bayu and Kupang.
“The party wanted Suka Menanti or Alor Mengkudu too, but both PKR and Amanah insisted on defending the seat that they won in the 14th General Election (GE14),” said an Umno Youth leader who requested anonymity.
In GE14, Suka Menanti and Alor Mengkudu were won by Datuk Zamri Yusuf from PKR and Datuk Phahrolrazi Zawawi from Amanah, respectively.
The source mentioned that it remains to be seen if Umno could secure any additional seats on top of the 15 that have already been agreed upon.
Among the names being considered to contest are Umno state chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid in Pedu, and Pokok Sena Umno Youth chief Mohd Farhan Ahmad, who is a new face.
Given his extensive record in the state administration and at the federal level, Mahdzir is considered the strongest candidate in the Umno line-up to lead the party in the state polls.
The former two-term Padang Terap MP failed to defend his seat in the 15th General Election, where he lost to Kedah PAS Youth chief Nurul Amin Hamid.
Meanwhile, when asked about his candidacy, Mohd Farhan stated that the selection of candidates is the prerogative of the party leadership at the state and federal level.
“If the leadership wants me to be a representative of the party, I will accept and work hard to win for the party and subsequently contribute to the success of the Pakatan-Barisan coalition to topple the state government,” he said.
The law graduate from the United Kingdom emphasized the importance of recognizing the abilities of young leaders in Umno, as they represent the future of the party.
He believes that there are plenty of capable and qualified young leaders in Umno who should gain experience and exposure to lead the nation.
Mohd Farhan is the son of former Pokok Sena Umno chief and former Bukit Lada assemblyman Ahmad Sudin.
Another fresh face being considered as a candidate for the state polls is Langkawi Wanita Umno chief Hisham Suhaily Othman.
The former state Wanita Umno chief is likely to contest in Ayer Hangat.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
