UMNO to Field Candidate for Ayer Kuning State By-Election
UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced that the party will field a candidate who meets the "WALI" criteria – winnable, acceptable, and likeable – for the Ayer Kuning state by-election.
Ahmad Zahid made the statement at a press conference after officially opening the FELCRA Berhad Closed-System Broiler Farm Complex in Rompin, where he said he would need to discuss the matter with Perak UMNO Chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and the Tapah UMNO division leadership to identify potential candidates.
"We will give opportunities to all groups and shortlist the potential candidates," said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.
The statement comes after UMNO Youth announced that it has potential candidates and does not rule out the possibility of lobbying for the Ayer Kuning seat, which fell vacant following the death of its assemblyman, Ishsam Shahruddin, last Saturday. Ishsam, 59, died of a heart attack after participating in a four-cornered football championship at City Stadium in Georgetown, Penang.
On Monday, Saarani said Perak State Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid had been officially notified of the seat vacancy.
UMNO’s Criteria for Candidate Selection
Ahmad Zahid emphasized that UMNO will field a candidate who meets the "WALI" criteria, which he described as winnable, acceptable, and likeable. This approach is aimed at ensuring that the party’s candidate has a good chance of winning, is well-received by the public, and has a likable personality.
Comment on Nazri’s Statement
Ahmad Zahid also commented on former Padang Rengas MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz’s statement supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remain in power after the 16th General Election. Ahmad Zahid said it was Nazri’s hope, which was also shared by those in the MADANI government.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UMNO’s decision to field a candidate for the Ayer Kuning state by-election is a significant move that reflects the party’s commitment to contesting the seat. The party’s emphasis on the "WALI" criteria is aimed at identifying a candidate who is well-suited for the role and has a good chance of winning.
FAQs
Q: Why is UMNO fielding a candidate for the Ayer Kuning state by-election?
A: UMNO is fielding a candidate to contest the by-election and to ensure that the party’s interests are represented in the state assembly.
Q: What is the "WALI" criteria used by UMNO to select its candidate?
A: The "WALI" criteria refers to the candidate being winnable, acceptable, and likeable.
Q: Who will be involved in the selection process of the candidate?
A: The selection process will involve discussions with Perak UMNO Chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and the Tapah UMNO division leadership.