K KANGSAR POLLS Perak Umno grassroots should not continue to harbour ill-feelings over Mastura Mohd Yazid's nomination as BN candidate for the Kuala Kangsar by-election.

Speaking in Kuala Kangsar following speculation of internal sabotage, the Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Mastura's selection is "God's will".

"I don't see any outside factor which can shake support towards Mastura. There might be some (hurt feelings) among us, those who felt they should have been nominated, instead.

"But God's providence (rezeki) goes to whom He chooses. God has decided.

"If it is no longer our time and someone else gets it, then give them the support," he said during a speech at Ulu Kenas, Kuala Kangsar.

He also urged grassroots Umno members, including those who are not happy with Mastura's selection, to not squander their vote come polling day on June 18.

"Even if I don't support the candidate, I will just be quiet about it and still vote for that person because that person voted for our candidate before. That is the right way," he said.

"How long can you harbour heartache? Until you die? This is why some faces have nur (light) – it's not because they prostrate up and down in prayer, but because they are sincere and Allah shines a light," he said.

Mastura is the widow of incumbent MP Wan Mohammad Khair-il Wan Ahmad, who died in a helicopter crash on May 5.

Her candidacy was publicly opposed by Umno man and Kuala Kangsar native Syed Rosli Jamalullail, who claimed she had begged Umno president Najib Abdul Razak for the candidacy.

Syed Rosli threatened to contest the by-election if no Kuala Kangsar native is fielded. Amanah candidate Ahmad Termizi Rosli hails from Kuala Kangsar.

Zahid, who is Bagan Datoh MP, said Perak leaders who now live outside the state are all campaigning for BN for this by-election so the locals must do the same.

'If not for us, for our children'

"So if we show up every day, then Kuala Kangsar people should show up every hour. Why hide? Why feed the anger?

"Remember, if Allah does not give us what we deserve, He will do so for our children when we are no longer here," he said.

He said that he, too, had been sidelined before but he accepted it as God's will.

"I don't want to talk about life and death, but if I am destined to die, I will not live forever. I am resigned to whomever will replace me, if it is God's will," he said.

Zahid approved a RM200,000 grant for a multipurpose hall for the Ulu Kenas community at the event today.

The event was attended by Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Kadir, Works Minister Fadzilah Yusof, Lenggong MP Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Perak executive councillor Kamil Shafie and Mastura's two sons Wan Emir Iskandar and Wan Emir Astar.