GE15: 'No way, I won't accept it', Bersatu's Khlir says on allowing Annuar to contest Ketereh on Perikatan ticket

KOTA BAHRU: No way, I won't accept it, says Bersatu's Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor when asked whether he was willing to hand over the Ketereh parliamentary seat to Tan Sri Annuar Musa (pic).

Khlir is slated to represent Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Ketereh in the 15th General Election (GE15).

Earlier, there was talk that Annuar, who was tipped to be dropped from Barisan Nasional's candidate line-up, might contest on another political party ticket.

He was known for his strong support for Muafakat Nasional - a coalition between Umno and PAS.

"It is too late, I have been introduced as a candidate and I have been to every place in Ketereh, they know I am the candidate.

"I have been working, in fact, I haven't had enough sleep for the past eight days.

"I cannot accept it (giving his seat to Annuar) because it will ruin the coalition's effort.

"If I do that, it is as if I am sabotaging PAS, we will have a problem in the next state election," he told The Star Tuesday (Nov 1).

Annuar had earlier said he would only decide his next move after the GE15 candidate announcement by Barisan leaders on Tuesday night.

"I will not be disappointed if l'm not fielded in Ketereh. For me, my political career will not end now.

"I will sit down and think properly, without rushing into things. There are a lot of choices. If not one of the government coalition's parties, there are other political parties out there.

"The scenario has changed... even PAS and Bersatu are government parties and they were under the same prime minister," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, Khlir said he was ready to contest no matter who he faces.

He, however, admitted that he was not familiar with Ketereh Puteri Umno chief Marzuani Ardila Ariffin, who has been tipped to contest for Barisan.

"I feel it is hard for her (to win) since she is not that well known here (in Ketereh).

"It is difficult for the people to vote for her unless they are Barisan fanatics," he said.

Perikatan Nasional is also expected to announce its list of candidates on Tuesday night.