The Nov 4 Galas by-election will see both the Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS parties fielding individuals with experience in serving the people of Gua Musang.     

BN candidate Abdul Aziz Yusoff, 49, who was born in Kampung Bertam Baru, near Paloh, Gua Musang, was a Kelantan Selatan Development Authority (Kesedar) operations office manager, which is a central agency responsible for the development of Hulu Kelantan.      

With his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications, Abdul Aziz served the people through Kesedar since 1983, but has quit his post to contest in the by-elections.     

The first-timer was chosen by Umno leaders to contest the Galas state seat, making him the youngest new personality entrusted with that mandate.      

Medical practitioner Dr Zulkefli Mohamad, who is the son of Mohamamed Awang, a former Guchil assemblyman in 1974, is the Pas' choice for the by-election.

The 44-year-old Pas Gua Musang division acting chief runs a clinic in Ciku 3, about 50 kilometres from Gua Musang, where he offers his medical expertise acquired from years of study in Universiti Malaya.      

When compared to Abdul Aziz, Dr Zulkefli is no stranger in the political arena with experience contending for the Gua Musang parliamentary seat twice in the 2004 and 2008 general election, but was defeated both times by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.      

Despite the losses, Pas remains confident in their candidate because Dr Zulkefli obtained the most votes from Galas compared to the Gua Musang Umno chief during the 2008 general election, with a majority of 317 votes.

- Bernama