BN’s ‘credible’ candidate has the edge

YAN: A straight fight between the Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS in the Sungai Limau state by-election will enable voters to compare the ability of both parties in bringing changes to the laid back constituency.

Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Social Sciences lecturer Prof Dr Ahmad Atory Hussain said the BN candidate has the edge over his contender due to his credentials.

BN is fielding Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris senior lecturer Prof Dr Ahmad Suhaimi Lazim, 52.

“People know him. He has a good academic background and experience. Being a Jerai Umno committee member, he is respected by party members.

“Likewise, former assemblyman and former menteri besar Azizan (Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak of PAS) was also a lecturer (former Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia head of syariah department),” he added.

Ahmad Atory said without Independent candidates contesting, it showed there were no internal problems in Umno at the divisional and branch levels despite the changes at the helm of the Jerai Umno division last Saturday.

“In the 13th general election (GE13) in May, there were two Independent candidates.

“If the Independent candidate is an Umno disgruntle member, it will affect the BN votes, likewise if the Independent candidate is from PAS,” he added.

Universiti Utara Malaysia dean of Faculty of International Studies Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said PAS fielded a young candidate, Mohd Azam Abd Samat to regain its lost ground among young voters who were seen to have swung to Umno in the GE13.

“What is at stake for both parties is persuading about 11,000 young voters in the constituency,” he added.

He said the BN fielded a candidate who appealed to the constituents as he had served them through Umno.

Sungai Limau, which still lagged behind other areas in the surrounding like Guar Chempedak and Gurun, has 27,222 voters. Of them 25,323 or 93% are Malays. Chine comprise 6.7% (1,842) while Indians make up 0.055% (15) and other races 42 or 0.15%.