ARAU MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has been reported to be among those to run for the Semenyih state seat in the forthcoming state polls.
According to a report by Utusan Malaysia, the 71-year-old Shahidan, who has helped Perikatan Nasional (PN) sweep 17 out of 18 state seats in Perlis during the 15th general election (GE15) has an “aura” that could add strength to the coalition’s mission to conquer Selangor.
The veteran politician’s frequent presence in Malay-majority Semenyih recently has further added conviction to the notion that the former Perlis menteri besar would contest the seat, the report said.
The Semenyih state seat was won by Pakatan Harapan’s Bakhtiar Mohd Noor in the 14th general election before a by-election was called following his death from a heart attack in 2019.
Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Zakaria Hanafi won the election with a 19,780 majority against three other contenders.
When quizzed about the possibility of him contesting in Selangor, Shahidan said he was willing to do so anywhere should the PN leadership bestow him with the trust to do so.
“God willing, I will contest if needed, but what is more important is that PN must dominate all states that are headed for the state polls,” he was reported as saying.
“If my contribution can help [PN win the state polls], I am ready to contest. I am ready to contest anywhere not for the intention of getting a position but to make sure Pakatan Harapan (PH) falls.”
Semenyih consists of 60% Malay voters, 16% Chinese, and 13% Indian voters.
Selangor is among the states targeted by PN in the forthcoming state elections. The opposition coalition had previously expressed confidence in capturing the state, which has been under PH since 2008.
In addition to Selangor, PN is aiming to seize control of Negri Sembilan, add a number of state seats in Penang while retaining Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu in the state elections. – April 27, 2023
Main pic credit: Bernama
