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KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional (BN) has finalised its list of general election candidates for seven federal seats that were previously undecided, confirming speculation over the fates of a number of prominent politicians.
Most notably, Selangor Umno chief Tan Sri Noh Omar has been dropped from defending Tanjong Karang – which he has served for four consecutive terms – in favour of Datuk Habibah Mohd Yusof, who heads the division’s women’s wing.
Noh was previously reported to be among several Umno leaders not aligned with party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who would be axed from contesting in the national polls.
On Tuesday, a video showing a distraught Noh being consoled by supporters made its rounds on social media, ostensibly after he found out that he would be axed.
Later that night, BN announced its full list of candidates, although several seats – including Tg Karang – were not mentioned.
BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, in a statement, said today’s announcement of the seven remaining candidates means the coalition will contest a total of 178 parliamentary seats.
Other than the Tanjong Karang candidacy, another interesting development involves PAS’ Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi, who will stand in Tumpat as a direct candidate for BN.
Che Abdullah, who is the Tumpat incumbent, was overlooked by PAS to defend the seat.
Kelantan BN chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub had earlier today confirmed Che Abdullah’s candidacy, prompting PAS to warn the latter that he would be sacked from the party if he contests under a different banner.
Former PAS lawmaker Datuk Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali, who quit the party in March following a falling out, will also be defending his Kuala Nerus seat as a direct candidate for BN.
“Tumpat and Kuala Nerus will see BN offering two direct candidates, in the spirit of openness and unity,” Zambry said.
Other than these, Zambry announced that MIC vice-president Datuk Kohilan Pillay will contest in Batu, MCA’s Datuk Chew Yin Keen will stand in Bandar Tun Razak, while Umno’s Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli and Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan will run in Jempol and Kuala Pilah respectively. – The Vibes, November 3, 2022