Umno wouldn’t claim Sungai Bakap

Nibong Tebal division chief Rashidi Zinol has confirmed that his party would not claim a stake in the upcoming Sungai Bakap by-election.

“PH will remain the contender in Sungai Bakap. If we want to be friends, we have to be sincere and respect our partner.

“We leave it to the unity government leadership to make the decision. Umno’s focus is on preparing the machinery to ensure victory for the candidate,” said Rashidi who is also Sungai Acheh state assemblyman and Penang exco.

“The division has never discussed fielding a candidate in the by-election, but we do welcome the grassroots’ voices who offer their views,” he said, FMT reported.

Initial reports stated that grassroot Umno members wanted their party to field their candidate in Sungai Bakap which has been contested by PKR.

The Sungai Bakap seat became vacant after the death of its rep, Nor Zamri on May 24.

The first term assemblyman had defeated PKR’s Nurhidayah Che Rose with 1,563 vote majority during the state polls last August.

Sungai Bakap is one of the three constituencies that comes under Nibong Tebal parliament constituency.

Its MP is Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

Two other state constituencies there are Sungai Acheh and Jawi.

Jawi is represented by DAP.

READ ALSO: ‘PH would regain Sungai Bakap’