Dzulkefly to defend Kuala Selangor seat, Amanah decides

Amanah has confirmed that its incumbent Kuala Selangor MP Dzulkefly Ahmad will be defending the seat, despite him having expressed intention to make way for a new face.

Party deputy president Salahuddin Ayub said the seat has become a critical battleground as Umno wants to field Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

"Based on his (Dzulkefly) track record here, we are confident that he is capable of defending the seat," Salahuddin said in a statement this morning.

Previously, Dzulkefly (above, left), who is a former health minister, announced his intention not to contest in the upcoming general election, stressing that he would stick with the decision even in the case BN names Tengku Zafrul to contest in Kuala Selangor.

Meanwhile, a party insider who declined to be named told Malaysiakini that the decision was made by Amanah candidates evaluation committee during a meeting on Monday.

The party was also expected to make small changes in its candidates’ list for the 15th general election, especially among senior party leaders.

Among them include Amanah communications director Khalid Samad, who would not be defending his Shah Alam seat won in 2018.

Khalid would instead be sent to contest the Titiwangsa parliamentary seat, the source said.

"We have yet to decide who will go to (contest in the) Shah Alam (parliamentary seat), but most likely, it would be Shah Alam Amanah chief Azli Yusof,” said the source.

'It's been an honour'

Meanwhile, Khalid, when asked about his status for GE15, said he was willing to leave Shah Alam, which he has held for three terms since the 2008 general election, to a "new face".

"I would like to thank Shah Alam voters. I seek forgiveness if there were any mistakes or shortcomings.

"It has been an honour and privilege for me to serve as the Shah Alam MP. I'm willing to pass the seat to a 'new face', who has been prepped by the party to contest there," Khalid told Malaysiakini when contacted yesterday.

Other changes include party vice-president Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus not defending his Hulu Langat parliamentary seat and fielding a new candidate at the Tampin parliamentary seat to replace incumbent Hassan Bahrom, who will not be defending the seat in GE15.

"Amanah vice-president Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud is also not defending her seat (Seri Serdang). The same goes for party secretary-general Hatta Ramli (Lumut)."

Last month, Siti Mariah sarcastically remarked that party leaders who are in their 60s should step down honourably if they are unwanted by the party.

The source said that Amanah president Mohamad Sabu will defend the Kota Raja parliamentary seat, while his deputy Salahuddin Ayub will defend the Pulai parliamentary seat.

The party's vice-presidents, Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Mahfuz Omar, will also defend the Parit Buntar and Pokok Sena parliamentary seats, respectively, added the source.

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