KEMAMAN: Kemaman by-election Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate General (Rtd) Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor (pix) is known for his strong focus on public service, his close acquaintance of almost 40 years, General (Rtd) Tan Sri Zulkiple Kassim said.
He said the personality exhibited was not pretentious; rather, it reflected his genuine character.
“I know him very well. If you heard his speech earlier, that’s him. He is someone who is very focused on service.
“Even during his time in the military, he was focused on the responsibilities that needed to be fulfilled,” Zulkiple said when met by Bernama after a meet and greet session between Raja Mohamed Affandi and Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans here today.
This marks the third day of the by-election campaign, in which the former Chief of Defence Force is facing Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who is representing PAS in a straight fight.
Zulkiple believes Raja Mohamed Affandi is genuinely dedicated to serving the people of Kemaman, and the by-election is a great opportunity for him to realise that commitment.
“He is an individual who wants to serve. Hence, he sees this opportunity to become a member of parliament as a platform to fulfil this aspiration of serving the people of Kemaman.
“He was raised in Kemaman, so to him, this is the best place for him to start serving the people,” he said.
Zulkiple was appointed as the 26th Army Chief in 2016, succeeding Raja Mohamed Affandi, who had been appointed the 19th Chief of Defence Force.
Meanwhile, former 2nd division Commander General (Rtd) Datuk Mohd Ramli Jaafar, who has known Raja Mohamed Affandi since 1981, said despite his stern appearance, he was an approachable and patient individual.
Mohd Ramli said one of the most memorable moments while serving under Raja Mohamed Affandi was how he had mobilised army assets during the 2013 major floods that hit Kemaman.
“In that flood, he came up with a mechanism to ensure that flood victims, when trapped, were brought to relief centers where all facilities, including food, were available,” he said.
Mohd Ramli said with Raja Mohamed Affandi’s experience and expertise, he would undoubtedly contribute to the development of Terengganu if given the mandate in the upcoming by-election.
Earlier during the event, Raja Mohamed Affandi spent almost two hours engaging with ATM veterans, many of whom are also voters in the Kemaman parliamentary constituency.
The Kemaman by-election was called following the Sept 26 decision by the Terengganu Elections Court to nullify PAS candidate, Che Alias Hamid’s victory in the 15th general election.
The Election Commission (EC) has set early voting on Nov 28 and polling day on Dec 2.
The state constituency has 141,790 eligible voters, who include 387 police personnel, nine army personnel, and 12 overseas absentee voters. -Bernama