The BN will field former Labis Umno Youth treasurer Mohd Azahar Ibrahim against Normala Sudirman of PAS in the Tenang by-election on Jan 30.

Deputy Prime Minister and BN deputy chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin made the announcement to over 700 excited supporters outside the Labis Umno office this afternoon.

Azahar's nomination was greeted with thunderous applause and cheers.

NONE The announcement was made two days after PAS named Normala Sudirman ( left ), a former remedial teacher, as the Pakatan candidate in the BN stronghold.

Azahar is the son of a former Tenang state assemblyperson Ibrahim Daud, who represented the state constituency for one term from 1999 to 2004.

The 39-year-old father of three was Rengit assistant district officer. He obtained a diploma in public administration from Institut Technology Mara (ITM) before getting his degree in political science from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom.

Azhar's father Ibrahim Daud was the elder brother of current Labis Umno vice-chairperson, Hashim Daud.

NONE Although Azhar, a senior government officer before he resigned to stand as candidate, has no party post, his selection by Umno is believed to be due to his family’s strong network in Tenang, which Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak likely referred to when he spoke of the “winnability” of BN candidates.

Azhar had also served as deputy director of the Segamat land department.

Muhyiddin said in his speech that the selection was made by Najib as BN and Umno chairperson after discussions with himself and Johor Mentri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman.

Media shy

Speaking to reporters later, Azahar appeared awkward and uncomfortable with the sight of journalists and the rapid fire of camera flashes.

azlan Asked for his thoughts on contesting against a female opponent, Azahar stumbled for an answer.

"This is not quite a big challenge for us because, err... what we call that... everyone actually (has) ... the ability to win this by-election," replied Azahar in English.

Despite having served in other districts in the state, including Kluang, Segamat and Rengit, Azahar said he is not a stranger in Tenang.

"I think it won't be an issue because I always come back here. I also have many friends here," he said.

On his lacking a post in the party, explained that he has been politically inactive because government servants are not allowed to do otherwise.

"Now, this is chance for me (to be active in politics). God-willing, if I were elected, I would serve my best."

Does Azahar have full support?

Being a relative unknown in the Labis Umno circle, Azahar projects an innocent and honest impression, crucial in wooing fence-sitters.

In rural constituencies, a candidate's personality often plays a bigger role than issues alone.

It is believed that BN had this in mind and chose to field a fresh face instead of a more seasoned politician from Labis Umno division.

Azahar's candidacy might not sit well with some Umno warlords who have been eyeing the seat, particularly the division's Wanita wing which has been openly lobbying for its leader Haslinda Salleh to be named the candidate.

Johor Umno chief Abdul Ghani and Muhyiddin will have a major task ahead to ensure that the division holds together throughout the campaign and works effectively.  

BN's goal: Majority bigger than 5,517