Former Election Commission chairman and Tan Sri Abdul Rashid will be contesting a Kelantan state seat under Pribumi. - SAM THAM/The Star
KOTA BARU: After weeks of speculation, former Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman finally confirmed he will be contesting the Kota Lama state seat in Kelantan for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Pribumi) in GE14.
The Pribumi vice-president said although he had conducted elections for many years during his six-term tenure as EC chairman, he was still a novice in politics.
"However, I do not fear challenging candidates who have vast experience in politics. With my vast experience serving the Government, I am confident I can serve the constituents well,," he told a press conference Friday (April 20).
With Abdul Rashid joining in the fray for GE14, Kota Lama will probably see a multi-cornered fight between incumbent Datuk Annuar Tan of PAS, MCA candidate Chua Hock Kuan and state PSM chief Khairul Nizam Abdul Ghani.
Kota Lama (based in Kota Baru town) is the only seat in Kelantan where the Chinese have significant numbers, making up about one-third of the voters.
Asked why he announced his candidacy early before Pakatan Harapan component parties collectively announce their candidates next week, Abdul Rashid said he believed in starting work early.
"I do not have to wait for the official announcement before going down to the ground to introduce myself to the electorates.
"I have returned to Kelantan to serve," said Abdul Rashid, who is also Pribumi Kota Baru chief.
PAS' Annuar Tan is tipped to defend the seat for the fifth term.
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