Noh Omar (fourth from right) with Habibah (third from left) who is Barisan candidate for Tanjong Karang, on the campaign trail. — Bernama
IT took some persuading for Barisan Nasional grassroots members in Tanjong Karang to accept the coalition’s parlimentary candidate for the 15th General Election (GE15)
Tanjong Karang Wanita Umno chief Datuk Habibah Mohd Yusuf was chosen to contest the seat that had been held by Tan Sri Noh Omar for six terms since 1995.
Tanjong Karang Umno Youth chief Datuk Mohd Shahrizal Sahri admitted that initially there was dissatisfaction among Umno members who wanted Noh to defend the seat.
“But after a series of briefings to the grassroots members on reasons Barisan fielded a female candidate in Tanjong Karang, they began to understand and agree with the decision and started to rally their support for Habibah,” he said.
Habibah said she was pleased to have been accepted by Umno and BN grassroots.
She would ensure that she would get the mandate from Tanjong Karang voters to continue the work by Noh, she said.
“I will continue to fight for the interests of Tanjong Karang padi farmers and fishermen in addition to other issues such as job opportunities for young people, besides the construction of stronger bunds to prevent flash floods during high tides,” she added.
Habibah is contesting the seat in a five-cornered fight involving Captain (Rtd) Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Perikatan Nasional-Bersatu), Azlan Sani Zawawi (Pejuang-Gagasan Bangsa), Siti Rahayu Baharin (Muda) and independent candidate Mohd Rosni Mastol.
Meanwhile, Perikatan candidate for the Sabak Bernam parliamentary seat, Kalam Salan said he did not see his status as a last-minute replacement candidate as a disadvantage.
Incumbent Sabak Bernam MP Datuk Mohd Fasiah Mohd Fakeh, who had been announced as the Perikatan candidate, withdrew at the last minute and was replaced by Kalam on nomination day.
He faces Datuk Seri Eizlan Yusof (Pejuang), Abd Rahman Bakri (BN-Umno) and Shamsul Ma’arif Ismail (Pakatan Harapan-Amanah). — Bernama
