Cameron Highlands will be the first major test for BN's Wan Rosdy
Pahang BN chief Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail will spearhead the coalition's campaign for the Cameron Highlands by-election and will be advised by acting Umno deputy president Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Acting Umno president Mohamad Hasan said although it was a BN tradition to appoint the Umno deputy president to lead the campaign machinery, the coalition had decided on Wan Rosdy because he has been the Cameron Highlands Umno division leader and is familiar with the local situation.
Wan Rosdy is also the Pahang menteri besar.
"Ismail Sabri will be monitoring (the process) for (the party leadership). We will help in terms of strategy and machinery," said Mohamad after chairing his first Umno supreme council meeting today.
On BN's candidate choice, Mohamad said coalition member MIC will have a free hand to choose its candidate. This marked a departure from the previous practice whereby the BN chairperson would have the final say.
"Traditionally, MIC (represents BN) in Cameron Highlands. The choice of candidate is left to them. We respect our agreements," he said.
During the May 9 election, MIC’s C Sivarraajh (photo) had won the Cameron Highlands seat with a slim majority.
The Election Court had declared the seat vacant after finding in favour of a petition to nullify Sivarraajh’s victory on the basis of bribery claims. Sivarraajh chose not to appeal the ruling.
The by-election will be held on Jan 26.
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