FORMER Ampang MP Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin has called for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to forget about party hierarchy and pick “high calibre” candidates for the forthcoming six state elections in August.
According to Zuraida, although local sentiments and the efforts of party grassroots must be respected when selecting candidates, there was a greater threat to the survival of Malays and Bumiputera as well as the sovereignty of Islam.
“Therefore, we must set aside personal opinions and unite in selecting candidates who can better represent the people,” she said in a statement today (July 11).
“With the inclusion of veteran political figures and capable young leaders it is not impossible for PN to make a clean sweep of all the seats that will be contested.”
Citing former UMNO lawmaker Tan Sri Annuar Musa who recently joined PAS, Zuraida said fielding “seasoned politicians” will make it easier for the coalition to win at the polls.
“Ultimately, those who are selected to run for the state seats not only need to ensure that they will be elected by the people but must also make sure they will be able to carry out their responsibilities as a representative of the people should they win,” she remarked.
Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang as well as PN-led Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will go to the polls on Aug 12, with nomination day on July 29 and early voting on Aug 8. – July 11, 2023
Main pic credit: The Edge Markets
