‘Grey to white’ - MB predicts ‘Gerik tragedy’ for Harapan, PN

The Gerik parliamentary constituency in Perak was labelled as a “grey” seat for Umno when the grassroots expressed their dissatisfaction over an outsider being fielded as a candidate.

However, Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad claimed that it is now white and considered a winnable seat.

Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki will be facing Pakatan Harapan’s Tarmizi Mohd Jam and Perikatan Nasional (PN)’s Fathul Huzir Ayob in his bid to retain the Umno stronghold.

Tarmizi, a former editor of PAS organ Harakah, is from DAP. He heads party’s Parit branch which boasts some 300 Malay members.

“During the nomination, there was a commotion over the candidate. But this has been resolved,” said Saarani.

“At the time, people said it (the seat) was ‘grey’ but I believe it has become white again,” he told reporters after attending a function in Tapah today.

He was responding to Perak Umno veteran Nazri Abdul Aziz, who classified both Gerik and Pasir Salak as problematic seats due to the choice of candidates.

In Pasir Salak, the Umno leadership dropped local warlord and three-term incumbent Tajuddin Abdul Rahman in favour of Khairul Azwan Harun, leading to speculations of possible backlash.

However, Khairul said he is on good terms with Tajuddin and that the latter is committed to Umno.

Among Khairul’s opponents in the four-way tussle is Pakatan Harapan’s Nik Omar, son of the late PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

Hoping to ride on the late cleric’s reputation, Nik Omar said his father is respected and loved by the people of Pasir Salak.

Meanwhile, Malaysiakini followed both Asyraf and Tarmizi on their campaign trail in Gerik.

The Umno candidate’s qualifications and Islamic credentials appeared to strike a chord with the Malay voters whereas Tarmizi’s DAP links proved to be a barrier.

However, the former PAS and Amanah man was welcomed with open arms by Chinese voters.

Don’t underrate Malays’ wisdom in choosing leaders, DAP candidates tell Hadi

Hadi worried Malay DAP candidates are being used

Asyraf's qualification, Islamic credentials strike a chord in Gerik

Nazri expects bittersweet outcome for Perak BN