Kelantan PAS' confidence in defending Galas eroded after Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah was appointed BN election director.

Its election director Abdul Fatah Haron said Razaleigh's (Ku Li) presence would have big impact and bring victory to BN.

azlan "PAS has to be cautious in Galas as Ku Li has good track record and nobody can deny his leadership quality.

"Retaining Galas will be difficult as we only won by a slim margin," he told reporters in Kota Bharu today.

Galas fell vacant with the death of assemblyperson Chek Hashim Sulaima, 46, of PAS from colon cancer on Sept 27 in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

Chek Hashim  received 4,399 votes beating Mohamad Saufi Deraman of BN with a 646 vote majority.

The appointment of Razaleigh, the Gua Musang member of parliament, was annnounced by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.

Kelantan Umno chief Mustapa Mohamed was appointed deputy director of Galas by-election.

Fatah said PAS has a list of candidates for Galas by-election and would announce it when the time comes.

"They comprise professionals and ulamas but it is too early to reveal them," he added.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Umno secretary Noor Zahidi Omar said Razaleigh's appointment was apt and had the support of Kelantan Umno.

"Ku Li can wrest DUN Galas and we will work hard to realise it," he added.

Kelantan BN secretary Mohd Alwi Che Ahmad said Razaleigh's appointment had the support of all BN component parties.

"Its a smart move as Ku Li is well respected and a big name in politics. He will give BN the edge," he added.

- Bernama