K KANGSAR POLLS The widow of BN's former Kuala Kangsar MP who is now contesting in his seat, forgives the opposition for insinuating that the by-election called after her husband's death was "divine retribution" against BN leaders for their hand in toppling the Perak government in 2009.

"As a normal human, just as you are, of course the words hurt me and my family, but I forgive them (Nizar)," said Mastura Mohd Yazid in a press conference when asked to comment on the statement by ex-Perak MB Nizar Jamaluddin while campaigning for the Kuala Kangsar by-election.

Mastura added that she believed God would reveal the truth.

This was only her second press conference since campaigning began as she is still in idah or the obligatory period of mourning for her husband's passing.

Nizar was reported to have said that the by-election in Kuala Kangsar was "divine retribution" against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for their role in the 2009 Perak constitutional crisis which saw the then Pakatan Rakyat-led government toppled by BN via extra-electoral means.

In the parliamentary by-election this June 18, Mastura will face off against Amanah candidate Dr Termizi Ahmad and Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad from PAS, as well as independent candidate Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary.

The by-election was called after the seat was vacated by the death of Mastura's husband Wan Mohammad Khai-ril Anuar Wan Ahmad, Kuala Kangsar's former MP who died in a helicopter crash in the run-up to the May 7 Sarawak state election.

It will be held concurrently with another one in the Sungai Besar parliamentary seat formerly held by the late incumbent Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Noriah Kasnon who perished in the same helicopter crash.