Tuan Aziz is BN's Choice for Manik Urai Polls

THE STAR

KUALA KRAI: Kuala Krai Umno Youth chief Tuan Aziz Tuan Mat is Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidate for the Manek Urai by-election.

Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who made the announcement here yesterday, said Tuan Aziz was the most suitable candidate to face PAS’ Mohd Fauzi Abdullah.

“He may be young but he has vast experience in tackling the people’s problems.

“His experience as project monitoring division manager of the Kelantan South Development Authority will definitely come in handy in drawing support for Barisan,” he said.

He said the 39-year-old Tuan Aziz had the undivided support of the party leadership, including Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and all levels of the party right down to the grassroots.

Muhyiddin added that it had been difficult selecting the candidate because there were many eligible people.

“Nevertheless, we have considered the matter in detail. We are fielding a candidate who is not only well-qualified but also well accepted by the constituents,” he said at Barisan’s operations centre in Kampung Sungai Sok Luar.

PAS’ Mohd Fauzi Abdullah is a fish wholesaler.

Muhyiddin said Umno members, especially from the Kuala Krai divisions, had given their word to work doubly hard to wrest the seat from PAS.

He said that a win in Manek Urai was important as it would signify Umno’s rise in the state.

Muhyiddin also said that a Barisan win in the constituency would not bring much change to the state assembly but it could be a sign of Umno and Barisan’s re-emergence in Kelantan.

“Barisan has a lot to offer the people of Manek Urai and we can make a difference to the lives of the 12,293 voters here who have yet to enjoy development and decent infrastructure despite PAS ruling the area for nearly 20 years,” he added.

At a press conference later, Muhyiddin said Barisan had never promised the Manek Urai people any project and therefore would not be obliged to fulfil any promises if it lost.

“However, it has always been our approach to help the people.

“Our proven track record of more than 50 years is proof that we never make empty promises and we always walk the talk,” he said.

At the same press conference, Tuan Aziz said he was honoured to be picked as Barisan’s candidate and thanked party leaders for putting their trust in him.

A graduate of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia majoring in Technology Management, Tuan Aziz is married to Suzana Hussain and has three children.

The by-election was called following the death of its state assemblyman Ismail Yaakob of PAS on May 22.